Addiction 

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Since the 1990’s the rate of addiction has risen dramatically in North America. In addition to an already high rate of alcohol abuse and drug addiction, other addictions have risen sharply. Specifically, sexual addictions, gambling addictions and food addictions have become serious societal problems. 

            Basic Definition

• A person needs more of a substance or behaviour to keep him or her going
• If a person does not get more of the substance or behaviour, she or he becomes increasingly stressed and miserable

 10 Signs and Symptoms of Addiction 

1/ Family and friends have noticed the addictive behaviour

2/ Trying to conceal addictive behaviour from family and friends

3/ Using addiction behaviours to cope with stress management and anxiety issues

4/ Relationships, environment and thoughts centre around the addiction

5/ A history of addiction behaviours in the family

6/  Tried to quit the addiction

7/ The addiction issues have caused job, financial or health problems

8/ The addicted person denies the addictive behaviour or believes they are not an addict because their addiction is legal

9/ The addiction behaviour is causing problems with family and friends

10  A chaotic life – unpaid bills, accidents, trouble with concentration or memory, feeling out of control                

People who answer yes to 3 or more of these signs should seriously consider whether they have an addiction that requires treatment       

Addiction problems are often associated with behavioural patterns and emotional conditions. Some of these are: 

• Anxiety attacks
• Anger issues
• Depression symptoms
• Low self-esteem
• Stress management issues 
• Unhealthy relationships – isolation
• Unresolved grief or trauma

Taking the First Step       It is said that the first step is admitting the addiction. That can be difficult. As a kind of a pre first step I urge you to take an Audit of your life. Do it gradually and thoughtfully 

Your Life Audit

1/ What is positive and negative in my life

2/ What are my strengths and weaknesses

3/ What are my sources of pride and regre

4/ How do I problem solve 

5/ Am I kind to myself and others 

6/ Do I have meaning in my life

7/ How do I see myself – how do I think others see me 

8/ What can I realistically change or accept about my life

9/ What are small doable steps that I can take to improve my life

10/ What would I like written on my gravestone 

The life audit can give you an opportunity to begin to look at yourself in an honest manner. Remember, like all people you have strengths and weaknesses. By facing these you can move forward in your life. If you detect you have an addiction, it can be treated.

How I Treat Addiction 

Addiction is a symptom of a deeper problem. It serves to medicate the deeper problem. With this in mind. I address addiction, substance and behavioural, by teaching you how to identify the underlying problem whether it be pain from childhood, depression or any feeling that feels overwhelming. After we identify the deeper problem I will provide you with ways to understand and manage your problem through your own resources rather than through medication. Along with this I will help you deal with the day to day difficulties of managing an addiction using strategies relating to thoughts and behaviours that trigger your addiction.