In my experience working with people experiencing addiction this is when a substance or behaviour that they are experiencing is causing their welfare to be severely impacted. This can involve both physical dependence, where the body adapts to a substance, and psychological dependence, where there is a strong craving and reliance on a substance or behaviourto cope with stress or emotional issues. Addiction can affect various aspects of life, including relationships, work, and overall health.
Symptoms of addiction can vary depending on the substance or behaviour involved, but common signs include:
Alcoholism can effect anyone during their life. If you have noticed that your drinking has reached a point when your day to day living with alcohol has become unmanageable. You may notice that despite your best efforts that controlling or reducing what you drink has become too difficult to achieve with will power alone.
Is the feeling or urge to use Substances despite the negative consequences this can be having on your physical and mental wellbeing. This could be using illicit Substances or the abuse of prescription medication.
Is the compulsion to gamble despite the negative impact this is having on your life and wellbeing. Problem gamblers may experience extreme financial pressure due to their gambling, accumulating high levels or debt or unable to manage day to day budgeting around their household bills/rent/mortgage payments.
Sex and love addiction refers to the compulsive behaviours related to sexual activity or romantic relationships that negatively impact someones life. They often involve a pattern of seeking out sexual or emotional experiences despite the possibility of negative consequences on these intimate relationships.
This is the excessive use of pornography material that is impacting on intimate relationships. This can set unrealistic expectations and boundaries in intimate relationships. Through therapeutic support and reflection healthy habits and behaviours can be implemented.
Addiction can create feelings of guilt and shame which can be heightened during active addiction. This can create feelings of being stuck and feeling isolated from family and friends. Counselling is the first step to breaking this cycle of addiction, and entering the first stage of recovery and freedom.