Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders
Addictive Disorders (Gambling)
Eating Disorders ***
Types Of Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders
Substance Use Disorders (SUDs)
Substance Use Disorders are complex conditions in which a person continues to use alcohol, drugs, or other substances despite harmful consequences. These disorders affect both brain chemistry and behavior, often leading to cravings, difficulty controlling use, and continued substance use even when it impacts health, relationships, or daily functioning. Over time, individuals may develop tolerance (needing more of the substance to feel the same effect) and withdrawal symptoms, which can make stopping extremely difficult. Substance use disorders range from mild to severe and frequently co-occur with conditions such as anxiety, depression, or trauma.
Treatment
Addresses both the emotional and biological aspects of addiction. Approaches may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), Hypnotherapy, Relapse Prevention Therapy, supportive counseling, participation in peer support groups, and when appropriate, medication-assisted treatment. Recovery is a highly individual process, and with the right support, individuals can restore stability and rebuild meaningful, fulfilling lives.
Addictive Disorders (behavioral addictions)
Involve compulsive engagement in rewarding behaviors such as gambling, sex or pornography use, shopping, gaming, or excessive internet use. Although no substance is ingested, these behaviors activate the brain’s reward and habit pathways in a similar way to chemical addictions. Individuals may feel out of control, experience cravings, or use the behavior to cope with emotional distress, loneliness, or unresolved pain. Over time, these patterns can lead to financial strain, relationship conflict, reduced self-esteem, and emotional exhaustion.
Treatment
Focuses on recognizing triggers, developing healthier coping strategies, strengthening emotional regulation skills, and restoring balance. Therapeutic approaches often include CBT, REBT, Hypnotherapy, Relapse Prevention Therapy, supportive counseling, and when needed, medication for co-occurring anxiety, mood, or trauma-related symptoms.
*** Eating Disorders
Eating Disorders are serious mental health conditions involving ongoing challenges with eating behaviors, body image, and weight perception. Common forms include:
• Anorexia Nervosa: characterized by restrictive eating and an intense fear of weight gain
• Bulimia Nervosa: involving cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors (such as vomiting or excessive exercise)
• Binge-Eating Disorder: recurrent overeating episodes without purging behaviors
Eating disorders often arise from a combination of biological vulnerabilities, emotional distress, trauma, and cultural pressures surrounding appearance. These conditions can have significant physical and emotional consequences, but recovery is possible.
Although eating disorders are classified as separate DSM-5 diagnoses, they can be treated alongside addictive disorders because both involve shared underlying patterns of compulsive behavior, emotional dysregulation, and using external behaviors to cope with distress.
Treatment
may include Somatic Therapy, Hypnotherapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, supportive counseling, nutritional guidance, and coordinated medical care to restore a healthy relationship with food, the body, and self-compassion.
Meet Your Therapist
Olga Balakova
15+ Years
Clinical experience
5 Certifications
Advanced credentials
Addiction Expert
Full spectrum treatment
