Addiction
“I want to stop, but I just can’t...”
“I feel like I’m out of control.”
These days, many of us feel like we are addicted to something - whether it’s shopping, social media, energy drinks, going to the gym - the list is almost endless. Sometimes it’s the more obvious addictions like alcohol, drugs, nicotine, or sex; or sometimes it’s something a little less obvious. Either way, you start to notice it when it begins feeling out of your control.
Maybe you’ve started to notice that your bank account is lower than it ought to be. You’re spending more and more money at the bars, shopping online, ‘having fun’ on the weekends. Or maybe the people in your life have started to notice that something is off with you. They keep suggesting that you seem “different” or “off” or that you’re spending more time isolating from friends and family. Maybe you’re getting into more and more fights with your partner. Whatever it is, there is a growing concern that you might have a problem - like you can’t fully stop yourself, but you also don’t want to continue doing what you’re doing.
Some common struggles related to addiction
The substance, high, or activity isn’t as fun or satisfying as it used to
Increased time and money devoted to the substance or activity
Unhealthy risk-taking related to the addiction
Relationship problems stemming from the addiction
Health problems or mental health problems that have worsened due to the addiction
Neglecting important relationships or events
Giving up hobbies or other important activities
Repeated attempts to stop or control yourself
The path back to feeling in control.
Whatever the addiction you may be struggling with, this is a judgment free space to recover. Together, we can determine the right path to help free you from addiction. This may be complete abstinence from the addictive activities or simply having a more moderate relationship with these activities. Either way, we will work on understanding what change you need to make and begin taking the steps to get you there using motivational techniques, trigger identification, and relapse prevention planning. (Note: slip ups and relapses are often just part of the process and do not have to dissuade you from the course!). While we work together, we will also explore the childhood roots and unmet needs that led to addictive thinking in the first place. These insights often lead to even more lasting changes in addictive patterns. I’d love to help you get to a point that your life feels more manageable.