Behavioral / Substance Addiction

Experts may still have more to learn about how and why addiction happens, but one thing is clear: Addiction is treatable
Are you or a loved one suffering with addiction?
Do you feel like you’ve lost control of your life?
Is addiction tearing you and your family apart?

What is Addiction?

Addiction involves craving for something intensely and loss of control over its use. Addiction is a treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual’s life experiences. People with addiction use substances or engage in behaviors that become compulsive and often continue despite harmful consequences.

What is the main cause of addiction?

The most common cause of addiction is chronic stress, a history of trauma, mental illness and a family history of addiction. Understanding how these can lead to chronic substance abuse and addiction will help you reduce your risk of becoming addicted.

How Does Addiction Affect You?

Addiction changes the brain, first by subverting the way it registers pleasure and then by corrupting other normal drives such as learning and motivation. Addiction isn’t just a disease that affects one person. It also takes a toll on the entire family. Since addiction leads to irresistible cravings and urges to use to avoid experiencing withdrawal symptoms, people who are addicted make substances their priority. They no longer have a choice in the matter.

How Can We Help?

Common behavioral addictions include:

  • Shopping addiction
  • Exercise addiction
  • Food addiction
  • Sex addiction
  • TV addiction
  • Facebook(social media) addiction

General signs of potential behavioral addiction include:

  • Spending large amounts of time engaging in the behavior
  • Urges to engage in the behavior even if it negatively affects daily life, responsibilities, or relationships
  • Using the behavior to manage unwanted emotions
  • Hiding the behavior or lying to other people about time spent on it
  • Difficulty avoiding the behavior
  • Irritability, restlessness, anxiety, depression, or other withdrawal symptoms when attempting to quit
  • Feeling compelled to continue the behavior even when it causes distress

Treatments for behavioral addictions:

As with chemical addiction, many different factors can contribute to behavioral addictions. Treatment approaches can vary, but therapy is usually the first recommendation. Other treatments like self-help and peer support groups can help with behavioral addiction, especially when used in combination with therapy. Productive coping skills, can reduce the need for addictive behaviors. Other types of therapy can also help address underlying issues that might play a role in behavioral addiction, like relationships concerns.

Therapy and Treatments:

Psychotherapy and addiction counseling can help with recovery, especially if someone started using substances to deal with distressing emotions. A therapist can help them explore some of the reasons behind their substance use and come up with new coping strategies for dealing with challenges.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a well-known modality used for behavioral addictions. CBT focuses on paying attention to the thoughts and emotions that cause distress and learning how to reframe them in the moment.

Treatments for behavioral addictions:

  • Alcohol
  • Opioids, including both heroin as well as prescription pain medication like oxycodone and morphine
  • Cannabis
  • Nicotine
  • Amphetamines
  • Cocaine
  • Methamphetamine

Symptoms of addictive substance Include:

  • An inability to stop.
  • Changes in mood, appetite, and sleep.
  • Continuing despite negative consequences.
  • Denial.
  • Engaging in risky behaviors.
  • Feeling preoccupied with the substance or behavior.
  • Legal and financial problems.
  • Losing interest in other things you used to enjoy.
  • Notable change in physical appearance

Who Do We Serve

Globally, Tru Outreach is committed to providing outreach services to inner city youth and families where social and emotional assistance is lacking.

Testimonials

Hi, my name is Deneen Smith,

On August 5, 2021 my mother passed away and after losing my best friend I didn’t know what to do. Even though, I had support from friends and family members I found myself in unfamiliar territory. Feelings of sadness and depression began to increase as the days went by. Although, I was unsure of what was happening to me, I knew I was going through a very troubling time in my life because no matter what I did I didn’t feel like myself anymore.

Upon hearing of the passing of my mother my dear friend who I’ve known since she was twelve years old, Nordrene Henry reached out to lend her support. Within a few minutes into our conversation, she sensed something was wrong with me. Till this day I’m not sure how she knew but she began to share the services Tru Outreach offers to people suffering with grief and loss of a loved one. Within 24 hours a licensed therapist was calling to talk with me. I can’t lie, I still miss my mother everyday but the days are much brighter lately. Thanks to Tru Outreach.

– Deneen Smith

Hi, my name Renee Evans,

I would like to thank Tru Outreach, Inc. for being consistent and keeping the lines of communication open beyond normal work days and hours. Approximately, one year ago I called Tru Outreach for a family member and they walked us through the process of dealing with a very sensitive family matter. The love, kindness, knowledge and fast pace work the therapist exhibited on an ongoing basis made us feel like we mattered. TruOutreach moved swiftly getting my family member the helpthey needed right away. After,many months of hard work my family member is once again lively and filled with comedy. She has become more social and consciously makes an effort to feel more joy than sadness in her life. No one can imagine the happiness I feel to see her display self loves “every single day”. She is finally LIVING & NOT JUST BREATHING! I would like to thank the staff at Tru Outreach for all their hard work and dedication towards making a difference in the lives they touch … I am forever grateful.

– Renee Evans

Hi, my name is Bennett Bonner,

I am a recovering addict…Due to some poor choices a few years ago, my life started becoming more and more unmanageable, therefore I reached out to a childhood friend named Mr. Joseph Bullock. During our conversation he told me about numerous after-care services an organization he founded offers to brothers and sisters just like me. They offer a variety of services such as; mental health and workforce development and preparation, just to name a few. I didn’t hesitate, the very next day I followed up to obtain services for myself. The counselors and administrative staff at Tru Outreach treated me with respect, kindness and concern. They went above and beyond to provide support and guidance during a tough time in my life. I am living proof that Tru Outreach services works one day at a time.

– Bennett Bonner

Hi, my name is Terrina Sanders,

Being a parent doesn’t come with instructions. As a parent we are not always right, and sometimes we don’t know or have the right answers. Our faith maybe strong, but sometimes prayers aren’t enough.
When your child is displaying self-hate and depression, as their parent you automatically want to help save them. It can break you down mentally and emotionally. If I wasn’t referred to Tru Outreach, I wouldn’t be able to give this testimony. They were able to match me and my loved one with a mental health specialist to help us through our situation.

-Terrina Sanders
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Meet Our Clinical Team

Dr. Stephen Taylor, Ph.D

Clinical Director

Christina Senatore, M.S. Ed, L.M.H.C.

Director of Outreach & Educational Services

Andrea Nagel

Director of Wellness

Cecilia Flores

Meditation & Restorative Yoga Instructor

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