ADDICTIONS THERAPY
Let me assist you to take the relevant steps so you can control an addiction rather than letting it control you.
I understand exactly how it feels as I have been on this journey and successfully made the transformation. I struggled with addiction and dependence problems, in the past, and through therapy I learned how to live an addiction-free and fulfilling life.
Addiction is a complex, but treatable, disease that affects both brain function and behaviour. It is characterised by an intense and, at times, uncontrollable craving for, and dependence on, an activity or substance, even in the face of devastating consequences.
It often develops as a result of a need to temporarily feel good or to escape emotional or physical pain. It can therefore be seen as a coping mechanism which is employed to avoid a perceivably intolerable reality.
Some of the most common addictions are:
- Alcohol
- Drugs
- Food
- Gambling
- Shopping
- Internet
- Exercise
- Sex
- Love
While the path to addiction begins with voluntary choice, over time a person’s ability to refrain becomes compromised, and the seeking and consumption becomes compulsive.
We all have tendencies to form habits but some people, due to a variety of factors, are more vulnerable to developing an addiction. Being exposed to an environment of substance abuse, having a family history of addiction or mental health issues can contribute.
Addiction often occurs as a result of unresolved emotional problems. By not dealing with these issues addictions can develop and take hold, causing huge impact on most aspects of a person’s life.
Most people with an addiction require some form of treatment to help break their dependency and to learn strategies to prevent relapse. This is where therapy can help. As addiction has many different dimensions, and can disrupt so many areas of an individual’s life, effective treatment incorporates many components.
I support an individual to stop using the substance or activity, learn relapse prevention strategies to maintain an addiction-free lifestyle and to achieve better functioning in relationships, at work and in society. Most clients require long-term or repeated episodes of care to achieve sustained abstinence and recovery of their lives.
I offer a customised treatment program, to address all aspects of an individual’s life and recovery. During the therapy process I support you to uncover the cause of the addiction and discover your trigger points or situations. I help you to understand and cope with your feelings, so you can learn more effective coping mechanisms and maintain abstinence.