Coming to terms with an addiction, whether it is alcohol, drugs, gambling, gaming, sex, or self-injury, requires an immense amount of bravery and strength. Recovery is a continual process of learning, with lots of ups and downs. Sometimes our behaviours control our lives. We can help you eliminate behaviours that are contributing to your emotional and physical distress.
Admitting you require help and support is the first powerful step.
It may be hard to recognize if you are misusing a substance or excessively interacting with gambling, gaming or sex. There is a wide spectrum to addiction and you may need to ask yourself some hard questions. Is a substance or behaviour interfering with your studying, work or responsibilities in general? Have you ever felt you should cut down on using a substance and couldn’t? Have others expressed concern over your misuse or behaviour? Have you caused someone harm as a result of a substance? If some of these questions resonate for you, then you may want to explore treatment or counselling.
While hiding and denying might be the first response you have when thinking about managing your addiction or behaviour, this may not be the healthiest solution in the long-term. Pushing through shame and recognizing you need assistance takes a lot of courage. The psychologists at Defining Solutions can help you in your next steps
Potential resources:
Psychology Today – Addiction
Helpguide.org – Addictions Help Guide