Addictions

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I use the term ‘addiction’ to apply to any behaviour, whether involving a substance or not, that: is persistent, repetitive, has begun to dominate, and has serious negative consequences, but the individual carries on regardless has a quality of compulsion – it does not feel as if there is a choice.

Addictions may involve physical or psychological dependence, and stopping the behaviour brings significant physical or psychological distress often involving an element of denial, to the self or to others, of the negative consequences and of the dependence.

Addictive substances or behaviours change the way we feel. The change is sometimes the result of the direct effect of a drug on the nervous system.

On other occasions, it is the result of a behaviour, such as gambling, sex, shopping, social media and anything outside of self that changes the way we feel that stimulates the brain’s own reward mechanisms and alters the way we feel.

The underlying causes of addiction are mostly genetic and environmental. A person’s genetic makeup can make him or her more prone to sensation-seeking behavior, more compulsive mand more vulnerable to addiction.

Life events such as trauma, stress and early exposure to substances of abuse can also affect a person’s vulnerability.

Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all process.

Different approaches are more appropriate and effective for different people, depending on their age, type of addiction and the factors that contributed to their addiction.

Counselling provides a safe space where you can feel comfortable and confident in the knowledge that discussing these issues are confidential which gives you the freedom to begin the journey towards recovery.