Addictions are often linked to mental health problems. Addictions often start as a way to manage uncomfortable feelings such as anxiety, fear, loneliness, despair, unhappiness, depression, the addicted person often feels unable to cope with these feelings in any other way. Addiction can be defined as ” a condition in which a person engages in the use of a substance or behaviour for which the rewarding effects provide a compelling incentive to repeatedly pursue the behaviour despite detrimental consequences” ( Psychology Today)
This includes substance use addictions, alcohol addiction, drug addiction, food addictions, chocolate addiction & sugar addiction. Behaviour addictions include gambling addiction, pornography addiction, internet addiction, shopping addiction, exercise addiction, work addiction.
Addictions often induce a sense of hopelessness and helplessness with feelings of failure, shame and guilt. However research shows that recovery is the rule rather than the exception. Treatments for addictions include Mindfulness based cognitive therapy, CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) and hypnotherapy.