There are so many reasons why people get addicted. It makes sense in many ways. It can be very pleasurable (after all it fires up the reward centre of the brain), you may have a genetic propensity or it could be learned behaviour from your upbringing. It can help you fit in or it can help you avoid negative feelings. However, there can come a time when the disadvantages outweigh the advantages. If that is true for you, please get in touch.
What I have seen most in my counselling practice is that addiction is often a coping mechanism, a ‘logical’ way of dealing with emotions that my clients don’t want to feel. These feelings have common themes, such as avoiding the memories of traumatic events or blocking out social anxiety when socialising, but are very individual to each client. This is why every client that comes with addiction issues will get a very individualised approach. I tend to utilise aspects of ACT which helps clients learn to ‘defuse’ from feelings rather than avoid them.
I also believe in the importance of compassion and encourage self-compassion. In my opinion, people with issues with addiction need help and support rather than finger wagging, labels and being told what to do. That approach just adds to the shame and guilt that most people with addiction issues already feel.
After all, it comes down to choice. If you are considering therapy for addiction then it is likely that it is affecting your life in negative ways. We can explore and build on all the reasons why you are choosing to stop (or cut down). You will also have a companion on your journey to your goal that understands the challenges and triggers. It is not an easy path but it is an exciting one where the outcome is well worth it.
Lapses are common but we can work through them without judgement learning from the valuable lessons that they provide.
Addressing the underlying issues can be very helpful. However, I would only encourage exploring the past in so far as it affects the here and now. If you are concerned about looking at past trauma then this is very understandable. They are your sessions and if there is anywhere that you don’t want to go then that will be entirely led by you.
That being said, I will encourage exploring the feelings that have long been avoided by using the addictive substance or behaviour. It can be really beneficial to reframe our attitude to feelings. Even ‘negative’ ones are useful lessons in where your life is not meeting your needs and where you are not living in line with your values.
If you have recognised that your use of addictive substances such as alcohol or drugs (illegal or prescription) or addictive behaviours such as gambling, gaming or shopping, are affecting your life then please get in touch to discuss how I can help you..