Addictions - Psychotherapy
People can develop addictions in many areas of their lives, but common addictions include: alcohol, drugs, nicotine, social media & technology, gambling, sex, self-harm, foods, exercise. Addiction is characterised by a compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite bad consequences.
Working with addiction is a highly individual process as many different factors come into play. Work may include developing new ways of thinking to help control the impulse to engage in your habit. Therapy is also a useful place to develop strategies to cope with difficult situations in your life, and to understand the emotions which keep your habit in place.
Sometimes group therapy or other support programmes (such as NA/AA) can help too. It can help to have the stability of a programme to follow in recovery, and I very often hear how important these programmes have been for people as they start a new life that is free from active addiction.
The emotional and financial toll for addicted individuals and their families can be catastrophic. It’s important to get the help you need and if you are struggling with an addiction and reading this then please just take action and talk to someone.
Psychotherapy, Coaching & Counselling in Haywards Heath & City of London