Addiction Therapy

What is Addiction?

Addiction is when a behaviour or substance takes control, becoming the central focus of someone’s life. While it may start as a common activity such as social drinking, browsing social media, or gambling, addiction can evolve into a powerful compulsion that disrupts emotional well-being, relationships, and daily life.

Addiction can manifest in many forms, including:

Substance abuse: This encompasses the misuse of alcohol, illegal drugs, and prescription medications.

Technology addiction: This can involve excessive use of smartphones, video games, or the internet, leading to problems in daily life.

Work addiction: This involves an obsessive need to work, often at the expense of personal relationships and well-being.

Gambling addiction: This is characterised by an uncontrollable urge to gamble, often leading to financial and personal problems.

Shopping addiction: This involves compulsive buying behaviour, resulting in financial difficulties and clutter.

At Leone Centre, we recognise that addiction often emerges as a response to pain, stress, or unresolved experiences. It can feel like a way to escape difficult feelings, yet over time, it may create deeper challenges. Talking about addiction can feel daunting, but reaching out is the first step towards meaningful change.

Addiction Therapy

At Leone Centre, we offer you Addiction Therapy to help if you have become addicted to a substance or behaviour and you wish to change this.

Forms of addiction we can help with;

• Alcohol Addiction
• Codependency
• Drug Addiction
• Food Addiction and Eating Disorders
• Gambling Addiction
• Porn Addiction
• Sex Addiction
• Shopping Addiction
• Social Media Addiction
• Video Game Addiction

What is the Difference Between a Habit and an Addiction?

A habit is something you choose to do, often out of routine or for enjoyment. Habits can generally be stopped or changed when desired. Addiction, however, is more complex. It can feel like a relentless need to repeat the behaviour or activity, even when it begins to harm emotional health, physical well-being, or relationships.

Understanding this distinction is important when deciding to seek help. Therapy at Leone Centre offers a space to explore these behaviours without judgement, helping you gain insight into their impact and find ways to bring balance back to your life.

Signs That Addiction May Be Present

Addiction can manifest in many ways, and while some signs may be obvious, others might be subtler. Common indicators include:

• A preoccupation with the activity or substance: You may spend an excessive amount of time thinking about or engaging in the addictive behaviour, neglecting other important aspects of your life.
• Avoiding social situations or responsibilities: You may withdraw from social events or neglect work, school, or family obligations to engage in the addictive behaviour.
• Changes in mood or increased irritability: You may experience mood swings, increased anxiety, or irritability when unable to engage in the addictive behaviour.
• Hiding behaviours or feeling guilt around them: You may try to conceal the addictive behaviour from others or feel ashamed or guilty about it.
• Financial strain caused by the behaviour: You may experience financial problems as a result of spending money on the addiction, such as accumulating debt or neglecting to pay bills.

Recognising these patterns can be difficult, but it’s important to know that you are not alone. At Leone Centre, we are here to support you as you make sense of these experiences and consider your next steps forward. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support.

How Addiction Affects Emotional Well-being and Relationships

Addiction can touch every part of life, including relationships with loved ones and your sense of self. It often creates feelings of isolation, guilt, or shame and may lead to difficulties in trust and communication with those closest to you.

For example:

Constant arguments and conflicts: Addiction can lead to frequent disagreements and arguments with loved ones, as they may feel hurt, frustrated, or betrayed by the addictive behaviour.

Broken promises and loss of trust: Individuals struggling with addiction may make promises they cannot keep, leading to broken trust and damaged relationships.

Financial strain and instability: Addiction can drain finances, leading to arguments about money and stress within the family.

Neglect of family responsibilities: Individuals with addiction may neglect their responsibilities at home, such as childcare or household chores, leading to resentment and tension in the family.

Our therapists understand how addiction can impact your connections with others. Therapy provides an opportunity to rebuild relationships and explore ways of engaging with others that feel healthier and more aligned with your values. Take the first step towards healing your relationships. Contact Leone Centre to schedule an appointment.

First Steps towards Addiction Recovery  

Has your addiction become your strongest relationship taking centre stage in your life? Do you often feel overwhelmed, and your life becomes more chaotic?

The first step towards getting help is usually the hardest one. We know the complexities and challenges of addictions well and offer therapy and counselling to family, friends and in relationships to people struggling with addictions. Addiction takes many forms impacting in many different ways.

The effects of addiction and addictive tendencies can be devastating: some are obviously and visibly damaging, and some can be scarcely noticed.

Here at the Leone Centre, our experienced therapists are to provide Addiction Therapy support wherever and whenever you need it most. We understand how lonely it can be to struggle with an addiction and how difficult it can be to seek help, support or advice.

Addictions are often connected with anxiety and maladaptive ways of managing stress, trauma, depression, low confidence, and self-esteem. Addictions often negatively impact relationships, marriages, careers, and physical health.

Whatever the type of addiction you may have – whether it be social media, drugs, alcohol, sex, gambling, etc. – our centre’s therapists are highly trained by the relevant governing bodies to deal with a wide variety of issues, utilising their substantial expertise to help nurture you through your recovery.

Getting Help for Addiction

Seeking help can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure of where to begin. Many people find it hard to talk about their experiences, but connecting with a therapist can offer a safe and supportive space to share your story.

Here are some practical steps you can take:

Contact a helpline: Organisations like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offer confidential helplines that provide support and resources.

Join a support group: Support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, offer a sense of community and understanding for individuals in recovery.

Find a therapist specialising in addiction: Leone Centre can help you find a therapist who specialises in addiction assistance.

During your first therapy session, you can expect:

A safe and confidential environment: Therapists are bound by confidentiality rules to protect your privacy.

An opportunity to share your story: Your therapist will listen without judgement and help you identify your goals for therapy.

A collaborative approach to assistance: Your therapist will work with you to develop a personalised assistance plan designed for your needs.

At Leone Centre, we work alongside you, exploring the challenges you face and what feels most important to address. Whether you are reaching out for yourself or supporting a loved one, we are here to listen and guide you through the process. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Contact Leone Centre to start your journey to recovery.

What does Addiction Therapy involve?

Addiction Therapy describes a wide range of interventions that treat substance use disorder or address a repeated pattern of abuse. In other words, it seeks to help you deal with your cravings and triggers without the threat of relapsing or worsening any uncontrollable addictive behaviour later on down the line.

Our therapists will work with you one-to-one to determine the most effective way to treat your precise addiction, needs and circumstances. We also understand how sensitive an issue it can be to discuss your addiction, which is why we make every effort to ensure our centres are as safe and nurturing an environment as they can be.

Addictions come in many forms

Some addictions are clarified below, though your relationship with a certain behaviour or substance is important. If you are worried or unsure, speak to a professional.

1. Codependency – Co-dependency is an unhealthy relationship pattern with dynamics strongly related to addictions. Co-dependency defines psychological dysfunction, which can significantly impact mental and emotional well-being.
2. Food/Eating Disorders – Eating Disorders and disordered eating are common and not always thought of as an addiction but share symptoms of addiction.
3. Alcohol Addiction – alcohol addiction can be particularly difficult to admit, stop and make lasting changes, as it is socially acceptable. Though with the right support, it is certainly doable.
4. Drug Addiction – Whether prescription, over-the-counter, recreational drugs or ‘hard’ drugs, addiction to a substance has devastating impacts.
5. Sex Addiction – Porn and/or sex addiction takes true pleasure from sex. We can help you make sustainable changes to find fulfilment in sexual relationships.
6. Video Game Addiction – Though most people can enjoy the joys of gaming, for some, it becomes a relationship which starts to become destructive, making it difficult to be present in other aspects of your life.
7. Gambling Addiction – It might be difficult to admit you have a problem, particularly if you are not in a financially problematic position – this is common; gambling addiction has detrimental impacts.
8. Social Media Addiction – If social media use becomes excessive and problematic, it can impact our well-being. 

Support for Friends and Family of Someone Facing Addiction

Loving someone with an addiction can feel challenging and confusing. You may notice changes in their behaviour that leave you feeling worried or unsure of how to help. At the same time, you might be experiencing feelings of frustration, sadness, or exhaustion in your efforts to support them.

Therapy can provide numerous benefits for friends and family members:

• Understanding addiction: Therapy can help you understand the nature of addiction, its causes, and its effects on your loved one and the family as a whole.
• Developing alternative methods: Therapy can equip you with healthy alternative methods to manage the stress, anxiety, and emotional turmoil associated with supporting someone with addiction.
• Setting boundaries: Therapy can help you establish healthy boundaries with your loved one, protecting your own well-being while still offering support.
• Finding support for yourself: Therapy offers a safe and supportive space to process your emotions and connect with others who understand what you’re going through.

Therapy can provide a space for you to explore your own experiences and needs as you navigate these dynamics. At Leone Centre, we also offer counselling for families and loved ones, recognising the importance of caring for yourself while supporting someone else. Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone. Leone Centre offers support and guidance for families impacted by addiction.

Addiction Counselling at Leone Centre

Counselling for addiction is about creating a safe and nurturing space where you can explore your relationship with the behaviour or substance that has taken hold. Through open and compassionate conversations, therapy helps you to identify triggers and understand how underlying emotions or past events may have contributed to your current experience.

Addressing the Stigma

It’s important to remember that addiction is a treatable medical condition, not a moral failing. The stigma surrounding addiction can prevent individuals from seeking help, leading to further suffering. At Leone Centre, we cultivate a non-judgemental and supportive environment where you can feel safe to share your experiences and work towards recovery.

At Leone Centre, our therapists work collaboratively with you to find approaches that feel meaningful and sustainable. While every journey is unique, what unites them is the possibility of regaining a sense of connection, purpose, and balance. Take the first step towards a brighter future. Contact Leone Centre to begin your journey of healing and recovery.

 

FAQs

What is addiction?

Addiction happens when a behaviour or substance takes control, becoming the central focus of a person’s life. Although it may begin as a common activity like social drinking, using social media, or gambling, addiction can develop into a powerful compulsion that disrupts emotional well-being, relationships, and daily life. Addiction can present itself in various forms, including substance abuse, technology addiction, work addiction, gambling addiction, and shopping addiction.

What is the difference between a habit and an addiction?

A habit is a chosen behaviour, often performed out of routine or enjoyment. Habits can usually be stopped or changed as desired. On the other hand, addiction is more complex and can feel like a persistent need to repeat a behaviour or activity, even when it starts to negatively affect a person’s emotional health, physical well-being, or relationships.

What are some signs that addiction may be present?

• Preoccupation with the activity or substance: Spending an excessive amount of time thinking about or engaging in the addictive behaviour, while neglecting other important aspects of life.
• Avoiding social situations or responsibilities: Withdrawing from social events or neglecting work, school, or family obligations to engage in the addictive behaviour.
• Changes in mood or increased irritability: Experiencing mood swings, increased anxiety, or irritability when unable to engage in the addictive behaviour.
• Hiding behaviours or feeling guilt around them: Attempting to conceal the addictive behaviour from others or feeling ashamed or guilty about it.
• Financial strain caused by the behaviour: Experiencing financial problems as a result of spending money on the addiction, such as accumulating debt or neglecting to pay bills.