Addiction therapy can help you regain control
There is nothing simple about addiction. It is a complicated problem unique to each person. The causes of addiction are complex and sometimes difficult to understand.
Addiction is widespread throughout most communities of the world. It occurs at all levels of society. Despite this, there is a great deal of misunderstanding about addiction. And addiction means different things to different people. Some people feel they are completely powerless against their addiction while others feel they have some control over their addictive behaviour but worry that control may be unreliable.
The concept of addiction as a psychological problem is a relatively new one. People once saw addiction as a personality flaw or a sign of weakness. This stigma still persists in society today and is a major challenge for those struggling with addictive behaviour. The origins of addiction are now believed to be much more complicated – psychological, physiological and even genetic. Addiction is complicated on many levels.
What types of addiction can counselling help?
Many people know that counselling can be used to help with alcohol or drug issues. However, therapy can also help with other addictive behaviours like:
- prescription medication
- the internet
- sex
- pornography
- shopping
- food
- gambling
- work
- exercise
There are many others.
Some of the therapists at our London practices have experience helping people overcome many types of addiction problems.
Can therapy help?
Counselling works in a number of ways. One of these is simply that getting things off our chests usually makes us feel better. Many people don’t feel comfortable talking about their problems to family or friends. They don’t want to burden them, or perhaps what they want to talk about is too private.
Having someone whose role is to listen without judgement in a safe, confidential setting can be really precious.
What to expect from addiction counselling with One Therapy
Whether you believe you have an addiction or aren’t sure, addiction counselling can help identify any potential issues and explore underlying causes of any addictive behaviour.
Resolving problems with addiction is not easy. Once an addiction has been acknowledged, great commitment and determination is required from the addicted person, as treating addiction through therapy requires discipline and patience. However, successful treatment of addiction is possible.
Throughout the counselling process, your therapist will help you recognise the thought, feeling and behavioural patterns that contribute to your addiction.
There are different ways counselling can help with addiction and several types of therapy that might be used for addiction problems. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), for example, uses tools and techniques to help you control addictive behaviour.
Certain addictions will need specialist treatment and, in some cases, longer-term residential care. Coming off long-term use of certain substances (like heroin and alcohol) can be life-threatening and may require medical support. Your therapist will help guide you through what to expect and help you through whatever treatment is right for you.
Addiction problems can break up families, damage communities and destroy lives. In some ways, addiction touches us all.
To speak with us in confidence about your addiction issues, call 0333 207 9330 or get in touch. Addiction counselling is often the first step to regaining control of your life.
Getting started
Your first appointment will provide an opportunity to discuss your hopes in therapy and to consider what kind of addiction treatment is the right kind of help for your needs.
Meet our therapists working with addiction
