ADDICTION

An addiction is a compulsive physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance or behaviour. Addictions come in two main forms i.e. substances and behaviours. Addictions to substances include drugs and alcohol, addiction to behaviours include, sex, gambling or other repetitive behaviours that might be problematic for an individual and their family.

How an Individual might experience their addiction:There is usually dependence on a particular substance or behaviour, which results in a repetitive use of a substance or carrying out of a particular behaviour. With drug or alcohol addictions there is usually a physical or a psychological dependence. According to the charity Action on Addiction one in three people are addicted to something.

When most people think of addiction their minds will go to either drugs or alcohol. It is important to note that there is a difference between substance addiction and substance misuse. Not everyone who misuses a substance has an addiction. Misuse refers to the excessive, incorrect use of body and mind-altering substances. Here the person might feel in control of their ability to use or abstain from use of this substance. With addiction there is misuse of a particular substance in spite of knowing that it is harmful to them. They will also feel powerless in the way that the consume the substance.

What are the symptoms of addiction:The addicted person will usually be uncontrollably seeking the substance: engaging in risky behaviours; isolating one’s self; neglecting responsibilities; loss of interest in things the person previously enjoyed doing. There will usually be relationship difficulties.

How do we work with Addiction in Therapy:The aim of therapy is to focus on trying to get an understanding of the underlying (usually unconscious feelings) that is the driving forces behind the individual’s addiction? As therapists we work with a person as an individual and take into account how he/she experiences his/her difficulties in context of their own unique life experiences.

I tend to work with attachment theory in mind. However, my practice is heavily influenced by other schools of thought such as Existentialism and so on. Attachment theory will hold in mind how one’s early experiences with their primary caregiver influences current behaviour and how these early interactions are being replayed. Emotions and one’s ability to identify, tolerate, and express them is a crucial part of the therapy that I provide.

Existentialism will bear in mind how fulfilling and meaningful one is experiencing their existence, what might be missing and what does the addicted substance or behaviour is substituting in an individual’s life.