What is Addiction?

Addiction is an uncontrollable compulsive need to abuse alcohol, drugs or destructive behaviours in order to achieve a desired altered state of mind.

An addict truly has no power over their addiction. Addiction is not a moral weakness and has nothing to do with having a lack of willpower. An addict’s need for alcohol or drugs can be as physically powerful as the need for food and water.

When hurt or upset, healthy people turn to a family member or friend for comfort and emotional support. The addict turns to their addiction. The alcohol, drugs or behavioural addictions are always there, never too busy for them and will never answer them back. The drink or drug will always quickly and effectively produce the desired mood change – every time – without fail. This is what the addict becomes addicted to – the ability to PREDICTABLY control the way they feel so that can constantly live in an emotionally happy state and avoid negative emotional states.

Physically Dependent and Psychologically Addicted

Although addicts become physically dependent and addicted to alcohol or drugs, they are psychologically addicted to controlling their feelings. This is their true primary addiction. The use of alcohol or drugs are merely the outward symptoms of trying to service their primary addiction of controlling their feelings and emotions. Many addicts are able to go through a physical detox and abstain from using alcohol and drugs BUT only for short periods of time. Until the underlying primary addiction is addressed and resolved the addict will inevitability keep returning to abusing alcohol or drugs. This is the reason why addicts will keep breaking their promise to never use alcohol or drugs again. They truly mean to keep their promises but the underlying unresolved issues stop them from doing so.

Loss of Control

Addiction represents a loss of control and as such many addicts are fearful to admit they have a problem. Addiction is a progressive illness that will only get worse unless it is treated. The life of an untreated addict more than often results in prison or premature death.

I recognise that the use of alcohol or drugs is a physical manifestation servicing an underlying cause. I don’t just treat the symptoms. I treat the underlying causes driving the use of alcohol, drugs or other addictive behaviours. I permanently remove the reasons behind needing to use alcohol or drugs ever again. I know that this is the only way to achieve long-term lasting sobriety.

Get Help

If you or someone you care about has a problem – or even if you’re not sure – please contact me on 07999 456 777 for confidential help and advice. It could be the best decision you ever make.