Addiction is the uncontrollable prioritisation of a specific activity to the point where it becomes a significant part of your life. There are thought to be around 2 million people with serious addiction problems in the UK, with the most familiar cases revolving around drugs, alcohol, gambling and more recently, pornography. However, with help, you can overcome your addiction and approach the light at the end of the tunnel.
Addiction is defined as engaging in a behaviour or taking a substance to the point that you are no longer in control of your choice, and it becomes harmful to your well-being. They are strongly related to the level of enjoyment, pleasure, or relaxation someone is capable of experiencing through an associated activity.
Serious cases of addiction are defined as being where an individual has an intense desire to repeat an activity over and over again and feels helpless to stop, even if this results in harm to themselves. On the other hand, many people engage in potentially addictive activities regularly without there being any obvious outward signs.
With substance addictions, it can often be easy to see the harm it’s causing you and the consequences; however, this can be less the case with behavioural addictions. Behavioural addictions such as internet addiction, gambling, or shopping often remain hidden but can feel extremely shameful and be personally harmful to the individual concerned.
The latest thinking around addiction is that it’s often a type of attachment disorder whereby the addicted person ‘soothes’ difficult or uncomfortable feelings through their addiction rather than through a relationship.
There are two main causes of addiction: biology and environment. An individual’s genes and biology might account for about half of the equation, but social influences and the environment they live in may account for the rest.
When it comes to biology, addictions can overwhelm the brain’s reward centres with dopamine, disrupting the regulation of its levels. With repeated use or exposure to the trigger, it can cause individuals to feel ‘off’ when they aren’t engaging in the addictive behaviour. This therefore prompts them to continue in order to feel ‘normal’ again. This ongoing engagement alters dopamine levels to avoid symptoms of depression.
Environmental and social influences can also hugely be responsible for addiction. Growing up, the people we hang around with affect the choices we make. For example, individuals who are around drug or alcohol users are more likely to engage in the substances themselves, heightening the likelihood of addiction. We see this pornography use amongst teenage boys and young men where what was until recently considered graphic or even illegal, has become normalised.
Many addictions are caused due to childhood attachment damage, but how they express themselves is down to the individual and their defensive structure.
While you may begin to experience these activities with a measured amount of awareness and stability, many people are oblivious to the fact that they are addicted to something. In most cases, the addiction becomes much more apparent when it leads to uncontrollable behavioural problems that affect home, work, or school life.
A habit is defined as a repeated action, behaviour, or ritual that is difficult to give up. There are both healthy and unhealthy habits. A healthy habit may involve brushing your teeth in the morning, snacking on fruit when hungry, and going to bed early. Unhealthy habits, on the other hand, may include drinking in excess, overeating or bingeing, and spending too much time on your phone. But when does a habit become an addiction?
Although both grow out of repeated behaviours, there are key differences.
Crossing the border from habit to addiction can be easier than most people realise, and most can be unaware they are facing addiction until more severe symptoms present. However, with help, you can overcome your addiction.
At Brighton and Hove Psychotherapy, we work with any type of addiction as they all have the same origin of past trauma, and how the addiction presents itself is down to the individual’s defensive structure. Here are just a few common addictions we work with, but please note this is not an exhaustive list.
In many cases, addiction is a manifestation of trauma and can appear in different forms. For example, an individual who had emotionally or physically unavailable caregivers growing up but who excelled and was praised in school may find themselves becoming a ‘workaholic’ which affects their relationships. However, others facing similar childhood trauma may turn to other types of addictions, like substances to cope with unresolved inner pain.
Alcoholism is when drinking becomes a central part of life, making it hard to control. It can lead to health issues, and strained relationships, and can disrupt daily activities. With support from friends, family, and therapy, individuals can find a path to recovery.
Drug addiction is the urge to use substances despite their negative effects. It can create challenges in health and personal relationships, however, with help, individuals can reclaim their life.
Sex addiction involves an overwhelming focus on sexual thoughts, fantasies, or behaviours that impact daily life and relationships causing emotional distress. With understanding and support, individuals can work towards healthier relationships and behaviours.
Gambling addiction is the uncontrollable urge to gamble, even when it negatively affects a person’s life. It can lead to financial stress and emotional challenges. With the right support, individuals can find healthier ways to manage their impulses.
Pornography addiction is the excessive use of porn that disrupts everyday life and relationships as it sets unrealistic expectations and emotional struggles. With compassionate support through therapy, individuals can navigate towards healthier habits.
Smoking is highly addictive due to its nicotine dependence, making it difficult to quit. Smoking can lead to serious illnesses, but with supportive therapy sessions, individuals can overcome their addiction.
With the rise of technology, internet addiction is becoming more common. It refers to the excessive use of the internet that interferes with daily activities and relationships. It can lead to social isolation and mental health concerns. However, with understanding and guidance, we can help individuals find a balance and reconnect with their lives offline.
Work addiction, often referred to as workaholism, is the compulsive need to work excessively at the expense of personal well-being. This can lead to stress and burnout and can often affect romantic relationships. With support, individuals can regain a healthier work-life balance.
Shopping addiction involves the uncontrollable urge to shop, causing financial and emotional strain. With therapy, individuals can address underlying issues and develop healthier spending and shopping habits.
Anyone can become addicted to something, but certain factors increase the risk such as a family history of addiction, mental health disorders, stress or trauma, and living in environments where addictive behaviours are normalised. Early exposure and frequent engagement in addictive behaviours also heighten the risk of addiction.
The signs and symptoms of addiction can vary from one person to another, and it can heavily depend on the type of addiction you’re struggling with. However, some common signs are relatable to many addictions.
Withdrawal symptoms occur when someone is deprived of their addiction, and they can cause anything from slight discomfort to intense cravings. They vary depending on the specific type of addiction and on factors that may have led to addiction in the first place, such as relationship problems, unemployment, stress, mental health and financial concerns.
Support is essential when looking to tackle an addiction and we offer our expertise alongside family and friends to help you believe that you have what it takes to change your life for the better.
Addiction often creates a sense of isolation and shame, trapping individuals in a relationally closed loop where they feel alone and misunderstood. Psychotherapy aims to break this cycle by bringing awareness to the individual’s processes and helping them understand the underlying factors contributing to their addiction. Through therapy, our clients can identify their triggers and develop helpful behaviours to manage them effectively.
A crucial aspect of psychotherapy is teaching clients how to regulate their emotions better which reduces the need to resort to addictive behaviours. Therapy also helps create a sense of safety and trust within the therapeutic relationship which can help clients begin to rebuild their self-esteem.
There are many different types of therapy that focus on relieving withdrawal symptoms and helping someone to overcome their addiction. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an excellent method of treatment that has proven to be very effective in the past. Here at Brighton & Hove Psychotherapy we will help you overcome your addiction through helpful talking therapies and counselling services, including a treatment programme and plan for change.
Please be aware that with serious substance abuse addictions, individual stand-alone psychotherapy is not suitable and you should consult your GP for access to specialist addiction services.
Many different types of therapy focus on relieving withdrawal symptoms and helping someone to overcome their addiction. At Brighton & Hove Psychotherapy we will help you overcome your addiction through helpful talking therapies and counselling services, including a treatment programme and plan for change.
Addiction counselling offers many benefits that support you in overcoming your dependencies. These include but aren’t limited to:
The benefits of addiction counselling contribute to a comprehensive approach to addiction recovery. At Brighton and Hove Psychotherapy, we help you address the psychological aspects of overcoming your addiction.
We provide counselling services to individuals struggling with addiction across Brighton, Hove, and Lewes. We offer personalised services to address any addiction, providing compassionate support and practical tools for recovery.
We have two physical practices, one in Hove and one in Lewes where we offer a full range of psychological therapies. We also offer online therapy for those outside of these areas, or who wish to take part in counselling from your home. You can view all of our practitioners and find the right person for your needs.
At Brighton and Hove Psychotherapy, we offer a compassionate, professional, and personalised approach to addiction counselling. We have a team of experienced therapists dedicated to understanding each client’s individual journey to help with their specific needs. With a solid reputation in Brighton and surrounding areas, we are the first choice for many people struggling with addiction.
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At Brighton and Hove Psychotherapy, we have two physical practices, one in Hove and one in Lewes, where we offer a full range of psychological therapies. On our website, you can view each profile of our associates and contact them directly using the form on their profile page. You can also use our handy search function to find the right practitioner for your needs.
If you are considering online therapy, take a look at our online therapy services.
