I recently was working with a client who asked, what is the difference between Coping Mechanisms and Addictions?
I have worked in the field of Addiction Studies and Therapy for many years, and over those many years, the tools, beliefs, and theories toward Addictions has changed a lot. It has only been in the recent past that many counselors are looking at Coping Mechanisms as Addictions. So the question is, are they the same or is there a difference.
First let’s look at Coping Mechanisms.
When a client comes to me for what they deem as Additions, I generally explain that their Addiction(s) started out as a Coping Mechanism, a way of dealing with uncomfortable feelings or thoughts. I further explain that when they first started using Coping Mechanisms, they were doing something very comman, and very intellegent. It is the choice of what Coping Mechanisms they use, that cause the problems. If the client comes in with a Coping Mechanism that they are having trouble in stopping the use of, then that Coping Mechanism could be considered a problem. If you, the client, are drinking and unable to stop, or if you are using substances, such as drugs, nicotine, or food, or if are unable to stop a particular behavior, then I would agree that it has become an addiction.
Addictions, such as food and drugs, can, and often times do become a physical issue. Sometimes that physical issue needs some extra attention during the detox period. It does not mean that you have to have a medically monitored detox perod, but it does mean that you are going to have to deal with some type of physical withdrawal. Not all physical withdrawals are dangerour, but some, such as alcohol withdrawal, need medical attention to make sure that the client is safe.
Addictions, such as behaviors, very seldom need any medical attention.
So with awarenss of the physical withdrawal isses, it now comes down to how does the client stop and, in most cases, replace the unhealthy Coping Mechanism with a healthy and beneficial Coping Mechanisms.
The first answer is Awareness and Mindfulness. The idea of Mindfulness is to recognize that you are in control of your thoughs and feelings. You need to be aware that you are in charge of your thoughts and feelings, you are in charge of brain and its contents. This is accomplished with the techniques used in Foundation Hypnosis and Life Coaching. Through use of a technique called Emotional Release Therapy, while the client is under hypnosis, you, the client, will be able to change your brain wave patterns, and recognize that you are not your thoughts, you are not your emotions. You are the one in charge of your thoughts and emotions. You will be able to use your own awareness of your thoughts and emotions. to create healthy and beneficial Coping Mechanisms.
I recently worked with a client who was a very heavy drinker. He was about to loose his job, and his relationship due to his Coping Mechanism of Alcohol. He came in, and by using the process of Emotional Release Therapy, Awareness, and Mindfulness, he was able to completly eradicate his cravings and usage for alcohol.
I can cite the same results with any coping behavior, substance use / abuse. Clients are amazed at the results that they are able to achieve with these techniques.
Call today, (206) 417-4900, Foundations Hypnosis and Life Coaching. Free yourself from Anxiety, Stress, Depression, and a host of addictive behaviors and substances. You will be glad that you called.