Christine Healy-Johnson, Psy.D.

Addiction And Recovery

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An addiction is a chronic disorder in which an individual is blinded by a substance, or engages in an activity, that gives them an immense amount of pleasure but has become detrimental to their everyday life. Compulsive behaviors and addictions can temporarily provide confidence, control, validation or other emotions lacking in one’s life, but the behavior may not stop until the root of the problem is addressed.

Addiction changes the brain through the limbic system, also known as the “brain reward system.” This part of the brain is responsible for producing feelings of pleasure and will manifest thoughts such as, “I deserve this,” or “Let’s do that again.” The abuse of addictive substances and behaviors triggers this system which can prolong a continuous cycle of destructive behavior.
Common addictions include but are not limited to:
  • Drug or alcohol abuse
  • Gambling
  • Internet
  • Shopping
  • Food
Seek Professional Assistance
People who have developed an addiction may be unaware that it is out of control, which is why counseling is an essential part of working through and managing this condition. An addiction of any sort can be exhausting and one should never go through the recovery process alone.
Many treatment plans focus on talk therapy and behavior therapy and can be performed in a group or through one-on-one sessions. During these sessions, patients analyze the reasons behind their addiction(s), what triggers are and what helped them control impulses in the past. Patients also learn coping skills so they can manage the compulsions without relapsing.

Christine Healy-Johnson, Psy.D. offers online therapy in all PsyPact-Approved States
Contact us
Office hours 
& location
Monday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday
Closed
Primary Location
1350 Connecticut Ave NW
Washington, DC 20036

(202) 680-0890
Christine Healy-Johnson, Psy.D.
I help individuals navigate emotional challenges offering personalized therapeutic support so they can return to living with clarity, confidence, and balance.
EXPLORE
LOCATION
1350 Connecticut Ave NW
Washington, DC 20036
Christine Healy-Johnson, Psy.D. is a psychologist who provides confidential, client-focused counseling and therapy services for couples and individuals specializing in areas that include, but are not limited to: Couples Therapy, Marriage Counseling, Relationship Counseling, Depression Help, Relationship Problems, Depression Therapy, Anxiety Therapy, and Marriage Problems. Proudly Serving: Dupont Circle, Foggy Bottom, Downtown DC, Logan Circle, U Street Corridor, Shaw, Columbia Heights, Mount Pleasant, Adams Morgan, Georgetown, Federal Triangle, Kalorama, West End, AU Park, Cleveland Park, Woodley Park, Bloomingdale, Brookland, Brentwood, Trinidad, Southwest Waterfront, Navy Yard, Capitol Hill, and all of Montgomery County as well as Maryland and Northern Virginia.