addiction
Addiction occurs most commonly to a substance or behaviour. Substances such as nicotine, drugs, and alcohol are the most commonly held addictions in Ireland today. Every family in Ireland has an addiction story, most related to alcohol abuse. Whether it was a parent, uncle, grandparent, or cousin; all our lives have been touched by the misuse and addiction to alcohol.
Addiction is a biopsychosocial disorder that includes repeated use or substances, or continued engagement in behaviours, despite the level of risk of harm or abuse to yourself or others.
Behaviours are also addictive. Behavioural addictions include gambling, social media use, phone scrolling, pornography use, sex addiction, or shopping. Any behaviour can become addictive, even that which we think is good for us. The key indicator is that you cannot control the urge or want to complete such behaviours anymore. The behaviour has control over you.
Any addictive behaviour can be seen from a behavioural standpoint as wanting to escape from the present moment as it is. Escaping the present moment may be an escape from thoughts in your head, people you have to deal with, stresses, or an escape from boredom.
Counselling can help you to understand and combat your addictive behaviours. Being in the confidence of another who can help, educate, train, and guide you out of your addictive processes can help you to reclaim what you have lost in life due to your addiction. If you feel you have an addiction, or may be leaning in the direction of having one and want to ''cut it in the bud''' before it becomes a more serious issue, please seek the help you deserve and need.
Currently, I work with behavioural addictions in adults and adolescents. If you feel you may have a substance abuse issue, please do not hesitate to contact me. We can meet and I can make a referral to a more adequate therapist for your specific abuse issue if we are unable to work toward your goals together.
Have a look at the video below to see gain a greater understanding of the process of addiction, and to see if this may be an issue for you.
