I help people from all walks of life and with pretty much all addictions. Sometimes there can be embarrassment or shame in asking for help. As an addiction therapist I won’t judge anything you say. I really encourage people to see themselves also in a kinder and more compassionate way too. Addiction can feel like a trap. Sometimes we do need some support and help and that is where an addiction therapist comes in. I use hypnotherapy and other tools.
It’s not about will power or ‘getting on with it’. Alcohol, drugs, shopping, sex, or whatever the addiction is, will become a problem because they gain a role in your life, causing negative effects. We need to look at why the habit is there and work on moving away from it. Sometimes this can be a quicker process than is expected.
Addiction therapist in London and online
Addiction is a chronic and relapsing problem. It is characterised by compulsive behaviours such as drug seeking and use. This despite the harmful consequences. It is a complex condition that affects the brain and behaviour. Often we associate addiction with substances like alcohol, nicotine, or illicit drugs, but it can also manifest in various forms. Addiction is a multifaceted issue that can present itself in various ways. Here are some common examples:
Substance Addiction: This involves the misuse of substances, leading to dependence and negative consequences. Common substances include:
- Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to physical health problems. These include liver damage, heart disease, and an increased risk of certain cancers. It also contributes to social and occupational issues, such as accidents, domestic violence, and job loss. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), excessive alcohol use is responsible for approximately 95,000 deaths annually in the United States.
- Nicotine: Found in cigarettes, cigars, and vaping products, nicotine is highly addictive and linked to a myriad of health issues, including lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death worldwide.
- Cocaine: A powerful stimulant, cocaine produces feelings of euphoria and increased energy. However, its effects are short-lived. Simplly leading to intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Chronic cocaine use can result in heart problems, respiratory issues, and psychological disturbances.
- Heroin and Opioids: These substances are highly addictive painkillers with a high potential for overdose. The opioid epidemic has reached crisis levels in many countries, leading to a surge in overdose deaths and related public health issues.
- Stimulants: Substances like amphetamines and methamphetamine can cause increased energy, focus, and decreased appetite. However, they also lead to anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis. Long-term use can result in severe dental problems, weight loss, and cardiovascular complications.
Behavioural Addictions: Compulsive engagement in activities despite the negative consequences. Some examples include:
- Gambling: Excessive gambling can lead to financial ruin, relationship problems, and legal issues. It can also result in depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts.
- Sex Addiction: Uncontrollable sexual thoughts and behaviours that interfere with daily life and relationships. It can lead to relationship difficulties, job loss, and legal problems.
- Shopping Addiction: Compulsive buying that leads to debt and financial instability. It can also result in feelings of guilt, shame, and isolation.
- Food Addiction: Overeating or binge eating that results in weight gain, health problems, and emotional distress. It can also lead to low self-esteem, body image issues, and social isolation.
- Internet Addiction: Excessive use of the internet, often involving gaming, social media, or online pornography, leading to isolation and neglect of responsibilities. It can result in impaired relationships, academic or work problems, and sleep disturbances.
As an addiction therapist I do see that these addictions share common characteristics. There is an intense craving, loss of control, and continued use despite negative consequences. The impact of addiction on individuals, families, and communities is profound.
The Role of an Addiction Therapist
An addiction therapist is a mental health professional specialising in helping individuals overcome addiction. As a London addiction therapist using hypnotherapy, I also use various other therapeutic approaches to address the underlying causes of addiction. I help people also develop coping mechanisms and I support clients in achieving long-term recovery.
An addiction therapist play a crucial role in the recovery process
As an addiction therapist I will often conduct a comprehensive assessments to understand the nature and severity of the addiction. Together we will develop an individualised treatment plan. This is tailored to the client’s specific needs and goals. As an addiction therapist I provide therapy support to address underlying emotional and psychological issues. We plan head, and as such I help with relapse prevention planning.
By combining empathy, expertise, and evidence-based practices, an addiction therapist can empower you to break free from the cycle of addiction. Hypnotherapy, in particular, is great for building inner resources and ultimately a healthier, more fulfilling life without the substance or behaviour.
NLP and Hypnotherapy: Powerful Tools for Addiction Recovery
As an addiction therapist, I utilise the combined power of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and hypnotherapy to help clients break free from the grip of addiction.
NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) is a therapeutic approach that focuses on the connection between the mind and body. By understanding how thoughts, language, and behaviour influence each other, NLP can identify and modify negative patterns associated with addiction. Through NLP techniques, clients can learn to challenge limiting beliefs, develop new perspectives, and create positive behavioural changes.
Hypnotherapy allows you to access your subconscious mind. In the context of addiction, as an addiction therapist, I use hypnotherapy to reduce cravings, manage stress, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. By working with the subconscious, hypnotherapy can help people uncover and address the root causes of addiction.
How NLP and Hypnotherapy Can Help with Addiction
- Identifying and Addressing Underlying Issues: NLP and hypnotherapy can help uncover the emotional and psychological factors contributing to addiction, such as trauma, low self-esteem, or negative coping mechanisms.
- Breaking Negative Patterns: By understanding how thoughts and behaviours are interconnected, NLP can help clients break free from self-destructive cycles and establish new, healthier patterns.
- Building Resilience: Hypnotherapy can enhance resilience and self-confidence, empowering individuals to overcome challenges and maintain sobriety.
- Managing Cravings and Triggers: Both NLP and hypnotherapy can be effective in reducing cravings and developing strategies to manage triggers associated with addiction.
- Developing Coping Skills: Clients learn healthy coping mechanisms to deal with stress, anxiety, and other emotions that may lead to relapse.
Looking for an addiction therapist?
If you or someone you care about is living with an addiction, I may be able to help. As an addiction therapist using NLP and hypnotherapy I have experience with helping people with many types of addiction. Take a look at the relevant pages on this site, Get in touch to ask any questions you have. Don’t wait to start that journey to recovery and a brighter future.
