International Journal of School and Cognitive Psychology
Open Access

Exploring Addictive Behaviors and their Influence on Personal Well-being

Correia Barros^{* *}Correspondence: Correia Barros, Department of Mental Health, Agostinho Neto University, Lisboa, Portugal, Email:

Author info »

Description

Addiction is a complex condition that affects millions of people worldwide, impacting not just the individual, but also their families, relationships, and communities. It is characterized by the compulsive engagement in behaviors or the use of substances despite harmful consequences. Addictive behaviors can manifest in a variety of ways, including substance abuse, gambling, internet use, or even eating disorders. Overcoming addiction requires more than just stopping the behavior-it requires addressing the underlying psychological, emotional, and physiological factors that drive it. Therapy plays an important role in helping individuals break free from the grip of addiction and rebuild healthier patterns of thinking and living.

Role of therapy in treating addiction

Therapy is a foundation of addiction treatment, helping individuals understand the root causes of their addiction and develop strategies for managing triggers, cravings, and emotional distress. There are several therapeutic approaches that have been shown to be effective in treating addiction:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most widely used and effective approaches for treating addiction. CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to addictive actions. It helps individuals recognize the triggers and underlying thoughts that lead them to engage in addictive behaviors. CBT teaches coping strategies to manage cravings and stress, offering practical tools to help individuals challenge irrational beliefs and develop healthier patterns of thinking and behavior.

Motivational Interviewing (MI): Motivational interviewing is a client-centered, non-confrontational therapy designed to enhance an individual’s motivation to change. MI focuses on exploring and resolving ambivalence about addiction, helping individuals recognize the discrepancy between their current behaviors and their personal goals or values. By encouraging a collaborative relationship between the therapist and client, MI empowers individuals to find their own reasons for change and take responsibility for their recovery.

Family therapy: Addiction often affects not just the individual, but their family and loved ones as well. Family therapy involves working with the individual’s family members to address the relational dynamics that may contribute to or result from the addiction. It helps families improve communication, rebuild trust, and develop healthier ways of supporting the individual in their recovery drive. Family therapy can be essential in addressing co-dependency or enabling behaviors that may hinder the recovery process.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Dialectical behavior therapy, originally developed for individuals with borderline personality disorder, is particularly effective for people with addiction who also struggle with intense emotional dysregulation. DBT focuses on helping individuals manage overwhelming emotions, improve interpersonal relationships, and develop distress tolerance skills. It combines cognitivebehavioral techniques with mindfulness practices to help individuals accept their current reality while working toward positive change.

Conclusion

Addiction is a multifaceted condition that requires comprehensive treatment. Therapy plays a central role in helping individuals break free from addictive behaviors by addressing the emotional, cognitive, and psychological aspects of addiction. Through approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy, Motivational Interviewing, family therapy, and support groups, individuals can learn to understand their addiction, build resilience, and make lasting changes in their lives. While the road to recovery is often challenging, therapy provides the essential support needed for individuals to reclaim control over their lives and pursue a healthier, more fulfilling future.