A report from the UK government's Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs estimates that around one in three adults in the UK will experience some form of addiction during their lifetime. This may include addiction to drugs or alcohol, as well as addiction to behaviours such as gambling or excessive use of the internet. It's important to note, however, that not all individuals who engage in substance use or certain behaviours will develop an addiction. The likelihood of addiction can depend on a range of factors, including genetics, environment, and personal circumstances.
A study conducted by the UK Addiction Treatment Centres found that over half of the individuals surveyed who had an addiction to drugs or alcohol were unaware of the severity of their addiction until they had already experienced significant consequences, such as financial troubles, legal issues, or relationship breakdowns. This highlights the critical need for education on addiction and its warning signs, as well as seeking help early on.
I had the pleasure of working with James, a 30-year-old junior marketing executive who seemed to have everything going for him - a good job, supportive family, and an active social life. However, he was in denial about his drinking problem. As a therapist, I used various techniques including neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and hypnosis to help him understand the root of his addiction and how to overcome it.
Despite James's active social life, alcohol was always present. He joked about looking like an alcoholic in every photo of himself holding a drink, but in reality, his drinking problem was no laughing matter.
When James met a woman, they had been seeing each other for a couple of months, and she noticed that every time she called him, he was drinking. She didn't think much of it and assumed he enjoyed a couple of drinks when he was out with friends or colleagues. However, as time went on, James's behaviour became increasingly concerning.
One morning, he woke up with his shirt covered in blood, unsure of what happened. On another occasion, he pushed a young woman in a nightclub after she spilled his drink. James was in denial about his drinking problem and couldn't understand why his new love interest didn't want to see him again.
Through our therapy sessions, I helped James understand the root of his addiction and how to overcome it. He underwent an alcohol detox and began attending support groups. I utilised various therapeutic approaches such as psychotherapy, cognitive therapy, hypnosis, NLP, and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help him overcome his addiction and regain control of his life.
Today, James is a different person. He is sober and has a better understanding of how his drinking problem impacted his life. Through our work together, he has become more in tune with his emotions and how to manage them. As his therapist, I am proud of the progress he has made and will continue to support him on his journey to recovery.
Are you struggling with compulsive gambling, social or recreational alcohol or drug misuse? Do you find yourself facing financial problems or relationship issues due to compulsive shopping? Maybe you're dealing with sex addiction, and you've tried to curb the behaviour before, but it seems impossible to maintain control.
I prefer to use the term "problem behaviour" instead of "addiction," as it encompasses any behaviour that compromises, disrupts, or damages family, employment, personal, or recreational pursuits.
During an initial consultation in therapy, I aim focus on how the problem behaviour began and the current pattern of behaviour. For instance, if you have a drinking problem, you may want to stop drinking at home but still enjoy a glass or two while out. Together, you and I can identify the behavioural change you want to achieve.
Hypnotherapy can be a useful tool in overcoming problem behaviours, and the outcomes can typically be achieved quickly and can lead to permanent change, irrespective of how long the behaviour has persisted.
If you or someone you know is struggling or concerned bout any form of addiction in any way, please reach out to myself or someone who can help.
Here is a list of help lines for a variety of problems with addiction:
