An estimated 2 million people in the UK are believed to suffer from an addiction of some sort. For many their addiction offers a short-term escape from the realities of their life and is often used to deal with an underlying mental illness like depression. Unfortunately, long term consequences bring extra guilt and shame which eventually create an increasingly destructive cycle.

Addictions are often associated with activities that initially bring pleasure and release from everyday life and pressures. Chemicals produced in the brain which encourage us to partake in activities and enjoy the ‘highs’ and ‘satisfactions’ are usually stimulated by addictions. The human brain uses dopamine to motivate; and endorphins to reward behaviour. This is the cycle of addicts – pleasure then pain.

TREATMENT FOR ADDICTION

Coming to terms with the fact you may have an addiction is difficult but once this happens and good treatment is sought, it can be treated but it can be a long road to recovery – even with the right support.

Counselling can be very helpful, and may help sufferers to recognise their illness and try to understand it. A chance to acknowledge your emotional needs and examining the underlying causes can be an excellent foundation to building a new way of living.

I use NLP and clinical hypnotherapy to reframe the addicts cycle and change the ‘reward’ to something that doesn’t have the same consequences.

TREATMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR:

• Cocaine Addiction
• Sex Addiction
• Gambling Addiction
• Video Game Addiction

Causes of Addiction

When life feels empty and these chemicals are not naturally present; when we are low or depressed, the tendency to addiction can increase. Stimulation and reward: the associated chemicals in the brain that are activated, are often ingredients of addiction: drugs, eating, gambling, shopping and sex all produce highs and the lows increase the feelings of hopelessness.

There are many theories to try to explain addictions- genetic, cultural and social influences merge with chemical and emotional factors. Environmental influences and personal experiences can also contribute.

For many people escaping life and using the addictive behaviour to give them a quick high traps them into a destructive pattern of behaviour which can become chaotic.