Addiction Overview
Addiction is the repeated involvement with a substance or activity, despite the substantial harm it causes, because that involvement was pleasurable or valuable. Addiction may include alcohol, drugs (e.g. cocaine or heroin addiction), food, gambling, shopping or sex. An addiction can rapidly cause significant social, economic, health, and/or legal consequences.
Signs and symptoms of addictions
- Changes in work performance
- Mood swings
- Temper outbursts
- Withdrawal from responsibility
- Defensive attitude
- Change in attendance at work
- Frequent accidents
- Frequent mistakes
- Paranoia or overreaction to criticism
- Secrecy
- Dishonesty
- Distraction
- Sudden weight loss
- Lack of concern over appearance
- Tiredness
Treatment
Many people struggling with an addiction will find individual sessions beneficial. It is often recommended that if the addiction is alcohol or chemical based then it is important to be assessed by a medical professional as well as a psychological one in order to be able to look at the physical risks of prolonged addiction and to look at the most appropriate and safest way to quit the substance as stopping suddenly can lead to medical complications.
Psychotherapy plays an important part for recovery as it will help to understand the reason for the addiction which is important in helping to promote relapse prevention. Our addiction experts have years of experience providing effective treatment. If residential treatment is recommended, either to ensure the withdrawal symptoms are managed safely or to be away from the familiar environment that potentially could be contributing to the addiction.
We employ the most up-to-date evidence-based treatments to get you back on your feet as quickly as possible.
With the right help, addiction can be overcome.