Resiliency Corner: Dealing with addiction Published Feb. 29, 2016 By Jaclyn Urmey 514th Air Mobility Wing director of psychological health JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Do you know someone with an addiction? Do you have an addiction yourself? Are concerned that someone you know might have an addiction? If so, here are a few warning signs that help identify addictive behaviors that generally prove to be harmful to some degree in your or that person's life: - Not thinking of anything else. - Lying or becoming defensive when others question your behavior. - Feeling anxious or depressed when you stop the behavior. - Becoming isolated or withdrawn from family relationships and friendships. - Needing to engage in the addictive behavior more often and at higher stakes. Addiction comes in many forms: drugs, alcohol, sex, work, shopping, gambling, eating, co-dependent relationships, internet, gaming and more. Often times, we can find ourselves overdoing something, but when the behavior is self-destructive and becomes compulsive, or giving in to the desire for the behavior becomes irresistible, professional help is needed. Several resources are available depending on the type of addiction. Healthcare providers can provide a referral to a professional counselor or therapist in the local area. Military OneSource can provide up to 12 non-medical counseling sessions per person per issue at no cost. Your Reserve wing chaplains, Airmen and Family Readiness Office and director of psychological health can assist you with locating additional resources. Addiction-specific support groups or sponsors may be available in the local area as well. If you suspect a friend may have an addiction, and they are not eligible for the resources listed above, network with others who care about the person and address your concerns in a safe environment. Never place yourself in danger, and seek assistance from an addiction-specific interventionist for additional guidance. Don't wait until it's too late. Find help now. - Military OneSource: 800-342-9647, militaryonesource.mil - Chaplain Office: 609-754-3261 - Airmen and Family Readiness Office: 609-754-8229/8 - Director of Psychological Health: 609-754-2542 For more information on this topic, contact me at 609-754-2542 or jaclyn.urmey@us.af.mil.