More about ADDICTIONS
If you have an addiction, you're not alone. According to the charity Action on Addiction, 1 in 3 people are addicted to something.
Addiction is defined as not having control over doing, taking or using something to the point where it could be harmful to you. The strain of managing an addiction can seriously damage your work life and relationships. Some addictions can have serious psychological and physical effects.
Addiction is most commonly associated with smoking, drugs, alcohol and gambling, but it's possible to be addicted to just about anything, including: sex, work, shopping, food and solvent abuse.
Worryingly, a major and growing area affecting children and adults is Digital Addiction, including - mobile phones, social media, video gaming, online gambling and internet surfing.
Even more concerning is the 'Persuasive Design' technology (or algorithms) built into apps, video games, etc. that specifically targets areas of the brain responsible for forming habits and addictions. The WHO (World Health Organisation) now recognises video gaming addiction as a mental health disorder. Even the NHS has launched a gambling addiction clinic for children.
There are many reasons why addictions begin, such as: peer pressure; habits getting out of control; a need to block unpleasant issues, thoughts or feelings; trying to re-create powerful urges and feelings to the point of needing more and more to satisfy cravings and achieve a 'high'.
Addiction is a treatable condition. Whatever the addiction, there are lots of ways you can seek help. You could see your GP for advice or contact an organisation that specialises in helping people with specific addictions.
At Asana, many of our qualified therapists are able to help with common addictions, such as smoking, alcohol, etc. But we also have some highly regarded specialists including:
Nicola Todd - is a Psychotherapist and Clinical Hypnotherapist who has been successfully treating addictions and habits like smoking, as well as many other conditions, for over twenty years in the NHS and private practice.