What is addiction?
You can define addiction as a psychological or physical inability to stop performing a behaviour or consuming a substance. You get used to the reward sensation you feel, and despite the harmful consequences, you cannot control yourself.
What are the signs of addiction?
Some form of craving is normal, but if this pursuit for pleasure exceeds a healthy limit and starts creating problems, then it can be termed as addiction. Let’s take a look at some common signs of addiction.
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Displaying a lack of control
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Unable to stay away from the substance or behaviour despite negative consequences.
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Obsession and taking risks just to feel the rewarding sensation
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Sacrificing social life for the substance or behaviour such as stopping hobbies or social gatherings.
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Secrecy and solitude about your actions and activities
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Maintaining the supply despite financial issues
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Unwanted changes in appearance and appetite
What are the most common types of addictions?
To have a better understanding, let’s take a look at the most common types of addictions:
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Drug addiction
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Gambling addiction
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Food addiction
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Videogame addiction
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Internet addiction
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Sex addiction
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Alcohol addiction
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Work addiction
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Smoking addiction
How can psychotherapy and counselling help?
Addiction is more than a physical problem. Often, it can be difficult to cope with such compulsions on your own. Even if you manage to pull it off, the chances of relapse are substantially great. However, proper treatment is available in the form of therapy and it has helped change the lives of many people.
You can choose from individual or group therapy sessions. Even the most severe cases can benefit from approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, motivational interviewing, and maintenance therapy etc. Getting therapy for your addiction habit can turn out to be the one big step you take towards gaining self-control and leading a successful and positive life.
