​

Addiction can creep up slowly on you. As life becomes harder and thoughts and emotions become more difficult to sit with, it is not unusual to turn to things that can help you to forget these unwanted and painful feelings. These things can be anything from alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, sugar, junk food, gambling, sex, shopping, work, exercise and many more. 

​

Addiction is defined as any behaviour that provides temporary relief and pleasure but also has negative consequences and to which the individual will return time and time again. 

 

Addiction isn't always easy to spot or admit to. It is often other people in the family or around you who will recognise it first. You might not believe you have an addiction but would like to change your behaviour and consume or use less.

​

Addiction can be extremely painful and difficult to live alongside. It might be that you live with someone who you believe is addicted to or dependent upon a substance or activity. You may have a parent who is dependent upon a substance and you are worried about ending up like them too.

​

I can provide support by helping you to:

​

• Understand the roots of your dependence and the role the addictive substance/activity plays in your life

• Understand the cycle of change and why you may have relapsed in the past

• Understand the triggers that make you want to reuse the substance or activity

• Create new ways of thinking, feeling and behaving that do not involve the addictive substance or activity

• Rebuild your confidence and self-esteem

• Explore what control you have other your life and identify goals for the future