Addiction Therapy
"Overcoming addiction is not about willpower or strength. It's about finding a new way to live, a way that is free from the chains of addiction. It's about rediscovering who you are and what you are capable of. It's about finding hope and purpose in your life, and it's about learning to live without the crutch of substances or behaviours. It's a journey that requires support, guidance, and self-compassion, but it is a journey that is absolutely worth taking. Take the first step today, and never look back." - Unknown
There are many different types of addiction that people can experience. It's important to note that addiction is a complex issue and can take many forms. Some common types of addiction include:
Substance addiction: This type of addiction involves the use of drugs or alcohol in a way that becomes compulsive and difficult to control.
Behavioural addiction: This type of addiction involves engaging in a behavior (such as gambling or shopping) in a way that becomes compulsive and difficult to control.
Process addiction: This type of addiction involves becoming obsessed with a particular activity or process (such as exercise or work) in a way that becomes harmful to the individual.
Internet addiction: This type of addiction involves becoming excessively involved with the internet or certain online activities (such as social media or gaming) in a way that becomes harmful to the individual.
Food addiction: This type of addiction involves an unhealthy obsession with food, eating, or body weight, which can lead to disordered eating behaviors.
Shopping addiction: This type of addiction involves becoming excessively involved in shopping or acquiring material possessions in a way that becomes harmful to the individual.
Gambling addiction: This type of addiction involves becoming excessively involved in gambling or betting in a way that becomes harmful to the individual.
Sex / porn addiction: This type of addiction involves becoming excessively involved in sexual behavior or activities in a way that becomes harmful to the individual.
Work addiction: This type of addiction involves becoming excessively involved in work or productivity in a way that becomes harmful to the individual.
Exercise addiction: This type of addiction involves becoming excessively involved in exercise or fitness in a way that becomes harmful to the individual.
How do I know if I have an addiction problem?
There are several signs and symptoms that may indicate that a person is addicted to something. Some common signs of addiction include:
Tolerance: A need for increased amounts of the substance or behaviour to achieve the desired effect.
Withdrawal: Experiencing negative physical or psychological symptoms when the substance or behaviour is removed.
Loss of control: An inability to stop using the substance or engaging in the behavior, despite attempts to do so.
Negative impact on life: The substance or behaviour is causing problems in the individual's personal, professional, or social life.
Craving: A strong desire or compulsion to use the substance or engage in the behaviour.
Spending excessive time and resources: Spending excessive time, money, or effort to obtain, use, or recover from the substance or behaviour.
Prioritising above other things: Continues to use despite it affecting personal, professional, or social life, or other things in life are given up or considered less important.
"Recovery is not a one-time event. It is a process, a journey. It involves taking small steps, one day at a time, to build a better life. It involves learning to live in the present moment, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. It involves finding hope and purpose in life, and learning to find joy and fulfillment in the everyday. Recovery is possible, and it is within your reach. Keep moving forward, and never give up on yourself." - Unknown
What is the best therapy for addiction problems?
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating addiction, and the most effective treatment plan is designed after a good and thorough initial assessment by a qualified and experienced therapist. Each treatment plan is therefore tailored to an individual's specific needs, and is likely to involve a combination of approaches.
Some common approaches to treating addiction include:
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): This type of therapy helps individuals to identify and change the thoughts and behaviours that contribute to their addiction.
Motivational interviewing (MI): This approach helps individuals to explore and resolve their ambivalence about change and to find the motivation to make positive changes in their lives.
Contingency management: This approach uses rewards or incentives to encourage individuals to engage in treatment and to maintain abstinence from substance use.
"The journey towards recovery from addiction is a long and difficult one, but it is also a journey that is filled with hope, possibility, and the opportunity for a new and better life. No matter how deep the addiction, no matter how hopeless it may seem, there is always a way forward. With hard work, determination, and the support of others, it is possible to overcome addiction and build a fulfilling and meaningful life in recovery." - Unknown
My Therapist Online can help you
If you recognise some of the symptoms above, you may benefit from speaking to one of our therapists. Our therapists are highly trained and experienced in treating the many different addiction problems.
We make finding the right therapist easy.
At My Therapist Online, we listen to the problems you are facing and match you with the right therapist for your individual needs. You can meet with them for a free initial consultation to be sure it is a good match before starting your therapy.
Therapist who have expertise in the treatment of addictions at My Therapist Online
Recommended Reading for helping with addiction problems
The Addiction Recovery Skills Workbook: Changing Addictive Behaviours Using CBT, Mindfulness, and Motivational Interviewing Techniques - by Terence T. Gorski and Merlene Miller
Overcoming Addiction: A Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Approach Workbook - by Ken D. Godley and S. hassan
The Mindfulness and Acceptance Workbook for Addiction: A Guide to Coping with the Grief, Stress and Anger that Trigger Addictive Behaviours - by Beau Mann
The Alcohol Addiction Cure: How to Overcome Alcohol Addiction and Find Sobriety - by John M. Turner
The Drug Addiction Cure: How to Overcome Drug Addiction and Find Sobriety - by John M. Turner
The Nicotine Addiction Cure: How to Overcome Nicotine Addiction and Find Sobriety - by John M. Turner
The Porn Addiction Cure: How to Overcome Porn Addiction and Find Sobriety - by John M. Turner
The Gambling Addiction Cure: How to Overcome Gambling Addiction and Find Sobriety - by John M. Turner
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