Addiction is a complex and chronic brain disorder characterized by the compulsive use of a substance or engagement in a behavior, despite harmful consequences. It often leads to physical, psychological, and social problems.

What are the common signs of addiction?

Common signs of addiction include increased tolerance (needing more of the substance or behavior to achieve the desired effect), withdrawal symptoms when not using, loss of control over use, neglecting responsibilities, and continued use despite negative consequences.

What types of addiction do you treat?

Our mental health clinic does not treat addiction directly. Instead, we focus on addressing the secondary emotional and psychological effects often associated with addiction. While we do not specialize in treating substance addictions (e.g., alcohol, drugs, prescription medications) or behavioral addictions (e.g., gambling, gaming, internet, food, or sex addiction), we are here to support your mental well-being and help make your path to healing more manageable. Our goal is to provide care and evidence-based therapies to help you build resilience and improve your overall mental health.

How can I or a loved one get help for addiction?

Getting help for addiction starts with reaching out to a qualified mental health professional or treatment center (Clarity Clinic is NOT an addiction treatment center). You can contact our team to schedule an appointment if you would like professional guidance on finding the right treatment options for your specific needs and circumstances.

What treatment approaches do you offer for addiction?

While we DO NOT treat addiction directly and we are NOT an addiction treatment center, we do offer a holistic approach to target co-occurring mental health issues. This includes individual counseling, group therapy, and medical intervention when necessary. Our goal is to address the root causes of addiction (depression, anxiety, trauma) and provide tools for long-term recovery.

Addiction: Alcohol, Substance, & Behavior

At Clarity Clinic, we provide mental health care for individuals seeking support with anxiety, depression, trauma, and other emotional challenges. While we do not offer addiction treatment or detox services, we welcome individuals in recovery from substance use who are stable and ready to focus on their mental health. For those actively using substances, a higher level of care may be necessary before engaging in meaningful therapy. We can provide referrals to external substance use treatment centers and welcome clients back once they are stabilized and ready to work on improving their lives post-treatment. Our team is here to support your mental well-being, whether you’re navigating the emotional impact of past substance use, relationship changes, or other life transitions

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What is Addiction?

Addiction is a complex, chronic disorder characterized by compulsive substance use or behavior despite harmful consequences. It involves an intense focus on using a certain substance(s) such as alcohol or drugs, or engaging in a behavior, like gambling or porn, to the point that it takes over a person's life.

Addiction is not a sign of weakness or a lack of willpower, but rather a medical condition that requires expert care and understanding. We recognizes that addiction can arise from various factors, including genetics, environmental influences, trauma, and co-occurring mental health disorders.

Our holistic approach to treating addiction addresses the underlying issues that contribute to addictive behaviors, helping you build a strong foundation for sustainable recovery.

We don’t just believe that therapy is an option for those seeking treatment; we believe that it is a necessity. In addition to treating addiction, Clarity Clinic also has a multitude of psychiatrists, therapists, and psychologists who specialize in treating addiction that is co-occurring with another psychiatric diagnosis.

Compassionate & Personalized Treatment

We understand that every individual's journey to recovery is unique. That's why our team of licensed professionals is dedicated to creating personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific addiction needs.

From the moment you step through our doors, you'll be met with empathy, respect, and non-judgmental support. We prioritize building a trusting therapeutic relationship with you to ensure that you feel safe, heard, and understood throughout your treatment process.

Our highly skilled team is dedicated to supporting individuals navigating the emotional and psychological challenges often associated with addiction. We are here to help address the mental health effects such as anxiety, depression, and trauma, that can accompany alcohol addiction, drug addiction, gambling addiction, porn addiction, or other behavioral addictions.

We provide specialized mental health treatment plans tailored to support those impacted by alcohol, porn, drug use (including nicotine addiction or benzodiazepine abuse), and other addictive behaviors. Whether you’re seeking help for yourself, a loved one, or a friend, we can guide you toward the services that best meet your needs.

Our comprehensive approach focuses on improving mental well-being and fostering resilience through evidence-based therapies, counseling, and education.

Different Types of Addiction

Alcohol-Use Disorders

Drinking that is problematic or severe can be diagnosed as an alcohol-use disorder and is characterized by excessive alcohol intake, loss of control during alcohol consumption, and a negative emotional state when not consuming alcohol. Alcohol-use disorders are ranked on severity – mild, moderate, and severe and can impair relationships, school, and/or work functioning.

The age range of people who misuse alcohol is between 20-35 and studies have shown a difference in the patterns of drinking between men and women. Women, who seem to start drinking later in life and progress faster, are most likely to drink alone to hide their guilt and shame about their alcohol use, while men tend to drink out socially.

Many who struggle with alcohol abuse have other underlying disorders such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder, and use alcohol to make them feel better. Although, because alcohol is a depressant, alcohol abuse may lead to worsening symptoms.

Substance-Use Disorders

Similar to alcohol use disorder, excessive or compulsive use of a substance that is problematic or excessive and impairs relationships, school, and/or work functions. More than 50 percent of those with substance abuse disorders have other co-occurring disorders. Additionally, those who abuse drugs have difficulty with impulse control, controlling emotions, low self-confidence, and managing stress.

Behavior/Impulsive Addiction

Behavioral addiction can include gambling addiction, sex addiction , porn addiction, video game addiction, food addiction, and internet addiction. People with these types of addictions tend to use the behavior as a way to reduce negative emotions and detach from their problems. Many who struggle with these excessive or impulsive behaviors struggle with co-occurring disorders and use these activities as a replacement for developing and sustaining intimate relationships or friendships.

What Causes Addiction?

While there is no definitive cause for alcohol, substance, or behavior disorders, there are several factors that can trigger addictive behaviors. Those include:

Genetics – a growing body of research has linked genetics and addiction. Those whose relatives had substance or alcohol-abuse disorders are at a greater risk of developing an addiction. When you start drinking alcohol or using substances, you may be at a predisposition for the disorder to develop and progress faster in those whose relatives struggled with addiction.
Environmental – those who have a limited support system, or whose peer group engages in excessive alcohol consumption or substance use can contribute to the development of these disorders. Additionally, those who are victims of trauma – sexual, physical, and emotional — are more prone to alcohol and substance abuse disorders, as well as impulse behaviors, such as sex addiction, gambling, pornography, and food.
Chemical changes in the brain – Studies have found that the pleasure center of the brain gets activated producing a euphoric effect that can only be repeated with more drugs or alcohol. Re-experiencing that pleasure typically requires more alcohol or substance use to get the same effect resulting in reliance or addiction.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Addiction?

Alcohol and Substances

Those struggling with alcohol symptoms include:

Use of larger quantities of alcohol or substance over a longer period than intended.
The intention or desire to cut down or control the alcohol or substance but with limited ability to stop.
Spending a great deal of time trying to obtain alcohol or substance, use them, or recover from the aftereffects of the drug or alcohol.
Consistent cravings or desire to use alcohol or substances.
A consistent failure to fulfill major responsibilities or obligations at schools, work, or home
Recurrent use of alcohol or substances despite its interference in interpersonal relationships or responsibilities.
A reduction of activities or obligations you once enjoyed because of alcohol or substance use.
An increase in risky behaviors or hazardous situations because of alcohol or substance use.
Continued use of alcohol or substance despite knowing that the alcohol or substance is contributing to poor physical or psychological health.
A need for larger quantities of alcohol or substances to get the desired effect or development of a tolerance to the previous amount.
Experience physical withdrawal symptoms — nausea, shaking, sweating, heart racing – when the effects of the alcohol or substances were wearing off.

Gambling Disorder

To be diagnosed with a gambling disorder, symptoms can include:

The need to gamble with more money to achieve the desired effect of excitement.
Becomes irritable or restless when attempting to stop gambling or reduce gambling.
Has made repeated attempts to cut down or stop gambling.
Is often preoccupied with thoughts of gambling including thinking about when to gamble next, reliving experiences, and thinking about ways to get money to gamble.
Often gambles when distressed.
Continues to gamble after losing money to “chase” one’s losses.
Lies to conceal gambling.
Interference in interpersonal relationships or obligations because of gambling.
Relies on others to provide money or “bail” them out of financial distress because of gambling.

While sex addiction and porn addiction are not listed as an official diagnosis in the DSM-5, it doesn’t mean these addictive behaviors aren’t problematic. If you believe that you or your loved one is struggling with impulsive control behaviors connected to sex or pornography that are interfering with interpersonal relationships and daily activities and causing distress, please contact Clarity Clinic to discuss sex and porn addictions and our treatment options for these.

Addressing the Mental Health Impact of Behavioral, Alcohol, & Drug Addiction

At Clarity Clinic, our team includes certified counselors who specialize in understanding the mental and emotional challenges often associated with alcohol and drug addiction. While we do not treat addiction directly, we focus on supporting individuals by addressing the psychological and emotional effects of addiction, such as anxiety, depression, and trauma.

Our experienced counselors work with clients to explore the underlying factors that may contribute to their struggles, including physiological influences and social triggers, to help them build a stronger foundation for recovery. We are NOT a rehab center or residential treatment program for addiction.

Medication Management

Our psychiatrists provide accurate diagnoses and specialized medication management for individuals dealing with co-occurring mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, which often accompany substance use.

Psychotherapy

Our mental health professionals tailor psychotherapy treatments to meet the unique needs of each individual. Through evidence-based approaches like motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and social skills training, we address the emotional and psychological challenges that can arise alongside addiction.

Friends and family members of those who struggle with alcohol abuse and drug abuse can also be affected by the addiction. Clarity Clinic’s marriage counseling and family therapists can work with couples, and others in the support network to help support them through their loved one’s recovery process.

Evidence-Based Therapies: Lasting Addiction Recovery

We utilize evidence-based therapies to address the emotional and psychological challenges often associated with addiction. Our therapies are grounded in scientific research and are designed to support individuals in managing the mental health effects that can accompany addiction.

These therapies are continually evaluated for their effectiveness in promoting emotional well-being and resilience. Some of the evidence-based approaches we offer include:

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors related to addiction. By learning healthier coping mechanisms and problem-solving skills, you'll be better equipped to face challenges without resorting to addictive substances.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT combines individual therapy, group skills training, and phone coaching to help you regulate emotions, improve relationships, and cope with stress more effectively.
Mindfulness and Meditation: Practicing mindfulness and meditation can enhance your self-awareness, reduce stress, and promote emotional well-being, making it an essential component of addiction recovery.
Motivational Interviewing: Our skilled therapists use motivational interviewing techniques to help you explore and strengthen your internal motivation to overcome addiction.
Family Therapy: Addiction often impacts not only the individual but also their loved ones. Family therapy sessions provide a space to address relationship dynamics and rebuild a support network crucial for sustainable recovery.

Clarity Clinic is the best mental health clinic near you to help treat the emotional and psychological challenges often associated with addiction. Our professional team are here to help you on your recovery journey. Book a consultation today in one of our many mental health clinics located throughout Chicago, IL, to learn more!

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Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never ignore or delay seeking professional help due to information found here.

PHP Program & IOP Program For Anxiety & Depression

Interested in a PHP/IOP program for anxiety, depression, or mood disorders? Clarity Clinic can help! Often times addiction can be tied to underlying conditions such as severe depression or anxiety. We offer the best PHP treatment and IOP treatment for mental health conditions like anxiety and depression in Chicago.

Head to our PHP/IOP page for more information or head to our PHP/IOP curriculum page to take a deeper dive into what our PHP programs and IOP programs offer. For leading mental health care, Clarity provides leading IOP and PHP programs near you!