Addiction
An addiction is an uncontrollable dependence on a certain substance or activity. People become addicted to different things for different reasons, but can be affected both physically and psychologically. With addiction, the activity or substance often becomes the major focus of a person’s life, leading to the exclusion of other activities, impairing work, social, and family responsibilities, and affecting the individual’s health, mood, and self-respect. Addicted individuals may suffer from anxiety, low self-esteem or depression and often feel as if they have no control over their lives or behavior.
Addictions can be considered physical or psychological. Both types of addictions affect the part of the brain that produces endorphins, or pleasure inducing substances. These chemicals make the person feel “high” or euphoric when indulging in their addiction.
Physical Addictions
Physical addictions are usually a result of the use of a particular substance. After excessive use, people build up a tolerance so that they need a larger and larger dose to feel the same effects of the substance. If they do not use the substance they may suffer from symptoms of withdrawal. Common types of physical addictions may include:
- Alcohol
- Drugs
- Caffeine
- Nicotine/Smoking
Behavioral or Psychological Addictions
Psychological or behavioral addictions occur when there is an uncontrollable urge to perform an activity. Behavioral addictions are not substance-related, and include a strong and recurring compulsion to engage in a certain activity despite the harmful consequences to either the individual or others. Behavioral addictions may include:
- Sex
- Internet
- Exercise
- Dieting
- Overeating
- Gambling
- Cell phone use
Causes of Addiction
There is no specific cause for a person to develop an addiction, however, an addiction may be influenced by a person’s genetic makeup and social or environmental factors. Many people believe that genetics may cause a risk of addiction and environmental factors such as family life, upbringing and peer influences may also play a role in causing an addiction. Children who grow up in homes where a parent abuses drugs or alcohol or participates in other addictive behaviors may be at a greater risk for developing an addiction, for both genetic and environmental reasons.
Treatment for Addiction
Addiction is a treatable condition. The first step in the successful treatment of an addiction often begins when the individual admits that they have a problem and need help. Physical addictions to substances such as drugs or alcohol may be treated with medication. Behavioral therapy and counseling are also an important part of treatment. Behavioral therapy is often used to help patients identify, avoid, and cope with situations in which they are most likely to partake in addictive activities.
Opioid Dependency Treatment (MAT)
Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) has become the national standard for the treatment for patients suffering from Opioid dependency. The ability of Providers to provide a comfortable method for patients to withdrawal from Opioid use while continuing their normal lives, has saved many patients from the clutches of Opioids. Regardless of social class, race, sex or age, Opioids have infiltrated patient’s lives from prescription medication to illegal street drugs. The medications used by Mighty Mental Health allow the patient to discontinue the use of Opioids without the crippling effects of whithdrawl symtoms. Please contact our office today if you are suffering and would like to stop. Our Providers are extremely well trained in MAT and are willing to help you today. We are unable to offer detox treatment or care for individuals who are in active withdrawals. Please consider utilizing a hospital emergency room for such patients.
Additional Resources
Featured Services
Medication
Management
Psychiatric medications are invaluable in achieving recovery from mental illness and safe treatment of symptoms. Our practice offers comprehensive medication management delivered by board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners. Our clinicians utilize a holistic approach that incorporates in depth knowledge of how pre-existing medical conditions can influence and trigger psychiatric symptoms. The decision to begin medication management is a combined effort between the Provider and the individual patient.
Therapist
Referrals
Our board certified Nurse Practitioners work with a select group of well experienced Licensed Therapists in the Las Vegas area. Depending on the patient’s symptoms and goals, the patient and the Provider will determine if therapy could offer solutions to the current situation. Therapy can include individual, group or family for adults and children. Finding the right Licensed Therapist for your individual needs is very important. The Therapy referrals available at Mighty Mental Health will ensure that every available tool is being utilized to help reach each patient’s goal.
ADHD Testing and
Treatment
Our office offers both in office and online ADHD Testing for both children and adults. Our board certified Nurse Practitioners are trained to administer the tests and discuss the results with the patients and family. Testing is a great tool for Providers to use to help determine the best treatment plan for all patients. Our office uses the state of the art software created by QbCheck to help diagnose and track our ADHD patients.
Request An Appointment
* All indicated fields must be completed.
Please include non-medical questions and correspondence only.
- 2685 South Rainbow Blvd
Suite 206
Las Vegas, NV 89146
- 702-479-1600
- Fax 702-479-1993
- OFFICE HOURS
- By Appointment Only
- Mon: 8:30am - 6:00pm
- Tues: 8:30am - 6:00pm
- Wed: 8:30am - 6:00pm
- Thurs: 8:30am - 6:00pm
- Fri: 8:30am - 6:00pm
- Sat: 10:00am - 3:00pm
- Sun: Closed
