For Individuals
Addiction Counseling
In Columbus (Polaris) and Middleburg Heights, Ohio
Understanding Addiction:
It’s All in the Brain
From the first sip of coffee in the morning to the last episode of Netflix at night, addictions are everywhere. And despite what many people believe, it isn’t a personal flaw. Our brains are largely at fault for how easily we form addictions. And naturally, it won’t be easy to form an addiction to vegetables. No, instead the brain craves certain chemical structures. Substances like alcohol, marijuana, nicotine, and even sugar have chemical structures that the brain finds heavily addicting.
What Hope is There in Overcoming Addiction?
We at LifewRx believe there’s quite a lot of hope! We’ve seen people time after time overcome their addiction and regain control of their lives. It’s hard, there’s no avoiding that. But there’s a very distinct difference between hard and impossible. When something is just hard, you can still overcome it, it just might take a little hard work, perseverance, and a good support system.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery Today
The addictions counselors at LifewRx are here to encourage you when you’re feeling hopeless, support you when you’re feeling weak, and always provide an empathetic, nonjudgmental, helping hand at our Columbus (Polaris) office, or at our Middleburg Heights office.
What are the Effects of Addiction & Substance Abuse?
The foundation of any addiction is the Dopamine cycle. Dopamine is the reward neurotransmitter—basically a messenger for the brain that lets it know when it is being rewarded. Normally, the brain has a very precise dopamine system. A drug or alcohol produces its own dopamine surge separate of the brain’s.
That separate dopamine surge is the “high” that makes drugs feel so good. The brain responds by lowering its own dopamine production to counteract the dopamine produced by the drug. But what happens when the drug leaves the system? The brain is in a dopamine deficit and needs the drug to get it back to normal. Addiction has taken root.
Reclaiming Control
One of the most terrifying things about addiction is that it can feel like you have no control. Our addiction and substance abuse counselors have years of training and experience to help you gain back that control. You are never “weak” or “bad” for struggling with an addiction. Oftentimes there are factors out of your control that contribute to an addiction. But recovery is always an option you can choose for yourself.
The brain can heal from an addiction much the same way it succumbed to it—by forming new habits (or reforming good habits). It’s called neuroplasticity, which just means that the brain is more like clay than solid brick. Addition can change it, but counseling can mold it back. LifewRx addiction counseling is excited to begin the process with you.
When Should I Get Help for My Addictions?
How do you know your drug use has gone beyond recreational and trespassed into an addiction? It’s a slow, downward slope that makes the drug use easy to rationalize. Maybe you’ve told yourself:
It helps me in the long run, by lowering my stress levels. Once I’m less stressed, I’ll stop.
I only do it with friends, it’s a way to connect!
I still get all my duties done. Really, I deserve it!
Maybe some of those statements are true! It all depends on your individual tolerance level. Tolerance level is the strength and frequency of drug use before addiction really forms. It will be different for everyone, and has many genetic, biological, and environmental factors.
Some more concrete signs that might point towards an addiction include:
What Does Addiction Counseling Look Like?
More goes into who you are than just your addiction. The passions, goals, and other struggles in your life are just as important. We always strive to draw on those other important aspects of your life as you’re recovering from addiction. Addiction rarely comes alone. Whether it’s depression, anxiety, insomnia, low self-esteem, or any other additional problems, you deserve to be free of all of them. Those co-morbid issues are also something we can address in a session. Our main goal will be to break the habit of addiction and remold your brain to a healthy state. It will always be individualized for you! You are a unique human being who deserves a unique plan that will best help you succeed.
Take the First Step Toward a Healthier, More Balanced Life
Reach out today to book your session with LifewRx, where personalized care meets compassionate support. Start your journey with us—schedule your session now and see what’s possible.
Columbus (Polaris)
Middleburg Heights