ADDICTION

1 Addiction is a term commonly used to describe a situation where you cannot control your cravings for a particular substance or behaviour to the point where it is harmful to you and those around you.  It can have a serious, damaging impact on you both physically and psychologically and can have severe consequences for your family relationships, work life and social interactions. Being addicted means being hooked to something that you psychologically struggle to control because you obtain some form of satisfaction from it and have withdrawal symptoms if the need is not met.  People are familiar with the well-known addictions of alcohol and drugs but we can be hooked to almost anything including sex, gossip, food, gambling, work, the Internet and even shopping.

The term itself can be intimidating and attracts much stigma causing depression, loneliness, anxiety and other challenging mental health issues.

Denial can be a huge stumbling block to someone affected by an addiction, as it can prevent them seeking help because they imagine they are in control.

Counselling gives you a space to explore these addictions, identify the contributing factors and impacts and learn how to safely unhook yourself in a gentle manner.