Addiction Hijacks the Brain

The word “addiction” is derived from a Latin term for “enslaved by” or “bound to.” Anyone who has struggled to overcome an addiction or has tried to help someone else to do so understands why. Addiction exerts a long and powerful influence on the brain that manifests in three distinct ways: craving for the object of addiction, loss of control over its use, and continuing involvement with it despite adverse consequences. In today’s world not only drug and alcohol, but also pleasurable activities, such as gambling, computer games, etc. can also co-opt the brain. Triumph Youth Services provides a small, highly structured family-type environment for youth. Triumph’s cognitive therapy approach utilizes individual therapy mixed with group and family therapy to treat each youth’s issues. The therapists specialize in a variety of issues and disorders, including, but not limited to addiction, substance abuse, emotional disturbance, oppositional defiance and RAD. In addition to the therapy, the positive peer culture utilized in Triumph facilities help the Students process their issues and build skills for their own personal progress. This includes consistent group counseling and peer mentoring. In order to advance through the program, each young man must maintain a minimum Behavior Point Average (BPA) similar to a GPA. Exhibiting good behavior, involvement, following the rules, and completing therapeutic and program assignments increases the youth’s BPA. This requires the youth to put what they have learned into action and process the skills necessary for success in and out of the program. To learn more about our addiction program you can click HERE.