Can therapy help with addiction?
Seeking counselling to overcome addictive behaviour is a big and brave step.
Addiction is a chronic (lifelong) condition that involves compulsive seeking and taking of a substance or performing of an activity despite harmful consequences.
People become addicted to substances such as drugs and alcohol, which change the way they feel and act, but can also get addicted to things like work, shopping, gambling or using the internet.
It’s important to remember that addiction doesn’t happen from having a lack of willpower or as a result of making bad decisions. Your brain chemistry changes with addiction.
In Ireland, the number of people who believe that those who are dependent on drugs only have themselves to blame has fallen by almost half in the past 25 years.
And most importantly, addiction is treatable. Several types of psychotherapy (talk therapy) help people with addiction gain new perspectives and change their behaviour.
Can therapy cure an addiction?
Facing addiction can be an overwhelming and isolating experience. Many individuals may attempt to confront their struggles independently, believing that sheer willpower and determination will be enough to overcome their challenges.
Therapy is an excellent way to be able to understand the addiction, the issues behind the addiction, and help the addict to unpick why they feel compelled to self-medicate in this way.
Is my addiction serious enough for therapy?
Determining whether an addiction warrants therapy depends on several factors, including how the addiction affects an individual’s life, relationships, and well-being. When addiction starts affecting any area of your life — social, financial, educational, or psychological — it’s time to seek professional help.
When someone downplays their addiction by believing it’s not as serious as others or that they’re not causing harm, it only delays them from seeking the necessary help they need.
What to expect with therapy
Starting out, therapy can be an uncomfortable and vulnerable experience.
An essential aspect of therapy and recovery is learning to express genuine feelings instead of hiding them. Rather than suppressing emotions or repeatedly saying, “I’m fine,” a professional therapist can guide patients through their discomfort, helping them achieve the insights needed for successful recovery.
Remember that whatever the addiction, your therapist and support staff will not be shocked or judge you.
If you are unsure what type of treatment may be appropriate for you or a loved one, call 01-5563335 for a free 15-minute consultation with one of our team members or book through one of the links below.
