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Addiction treatment not only covers addictive substance, but behaviors as well. The little-known fact is that the disease of addiction can manifest itself in behaviors. Like with substances, behavioral addictions can be just as damaging financially, legally, and in relationship matters.

In alcohol and drug treatment, counselors regularly warn patients about cross-addictions with other substances. Better yet is to warn about behavioral addictions because it is common for those in recovery to engage in them. Shopping, eating, sex, and any other behavior that is used to avoid feeling emotions qualify. Addicts will feel a sense of relief and obsess over these actions just like they would a drug.

When recovering addicts act on these obsessions and go on a shopping spree, for example, this could cause financial troubles. Finances are a major source of conflict in relationships, so those troubles may follow. Untreated, the obsession can lead to legal problems relating to finances, relationships, and even criminal charges. In many cases the addict knows there is a problem, but is powerless in halting the behavior.

Recent news about Tiger Woods has made sex addiction treatment a household phrase. Regardless of one’s opinion about Mr. Woods, sex addiction is real and is the source of many family problems. Like other behavioral addictions, this type afflicts men and women alike. For both, medical problems like Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) and HIV can be added risks with sex addiction.

Support groups are very helpful for individuals with behavioral addictions. Addiction treatment is necessary, though, when they also engage in substance abuse. It is the same concept as poly-substance abuse. Those who suffer from methamphetamine addiction and occasionally abuse alcohol need treatment for both, even though they aren’t dependent on alcohol. If one is not treated, the addict will surely transfer the obsession to that substance or behavior.

All of this suggests that addiction treatment is more effective when it includes medical care, HIV services, and mental health treatment for patients who need it. And it is even better when a treatment center provides these services under one roof. Patients can then receive treatment for their addictions as well as a continuum of care for co-occurring disorders and medical issues.

Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles provides all of the services above and more as part of our commitment to integrated behavioral healthcare. If you or a loved one needs help with alcohol dependence or drug addiction, please call us now at 888-777-8565 or contact us here.

Southern California Locations for Alcohol and Drug Treatment
Tarzana Treatment Centers has locations all over Southern California in Los Angeles County. Other than our central location in Tarzana, we have facilities in Lancaster in the Antelope Valley, Long Beach, and in Northridge and Reseda in the San Fernando Valley.