Compulsive behaviours come in a number of forms and can take a considerable toll on our physical and emotional health. An addiction is any kind of activity that becomes central to your life and which you find yourself unable to stop, even when it has negative consequences. Addictions to drugs, alcohol, sex, gambling, pornography, and a range of other behaviours can afflict people from all backgrounds.
We tend to become addicted to activities or substances that initially benefit us in some way, such as increasing our pleasure, or helping us to reduce, or avoid physical and emotional pain. While the substance or activity often helps us to cope in the short-term, over time it can become a bigger problem.
While we all have the tendency to form habits, some of us are more vulnerable to developing addictions. This may be due to a range of factors, such as: our family history, mental and physical health issues, and current or previous exposure to the addictive behaviour of others.
Signs of an addiction may include:
- Having difficulty meeting responsibilities at work, school or home
- Previous attempts to reduce or cease the addictive behaviour have been unsuccessful
- Having relationship problems due to the addictive behaviour
Signs of a substance addiction may include:
- Feeling sick or irritable without the substance (withdrawal), but feeling normal upon resuming use.
- Needing increased amounts of the substance to produce the same effect.
- Organising social events and activities around the timing of your substance use.
- Needing the substance in order to cope with everyday life.
Treating Compulsive Behaviours
Compulsive behaviours often develop as a way of coping with emotionally painful issues and can worsen over time if these issues remain unresolved. At TG Psychology we can help you to formulate a treatment plan, based on the changes you wish to make to your behaviours. For some people this may involve controlled use, while others may feel that complete abstinence is the only appropriate option for them. Our psychologists understand that this can be a difficult decision, which may involve a sense of grief and loss. We will respect and support whichever choice you make, we are not here to judge you.
At TG Psychology we can help you to gain insight into your behaviour patterns. You will learn to identify the circumstances which trigger them and the factors which enable them to continue. You will also receive training to recognise and challenge the unhelpful thoughts and self-talk that often contribute to addictive behaviours.
Types of compulsive behaviours we can help with
- Alcohol Addiction
- Drug Addiction
- Gambling Addiction
- Pornography Addiction
Many people with compulsive behaviours require some form of assistance to help break their destructive patterns of behaviour. At TG Psychology our psychologists have helped people with a wide range of problematic behaviours and we are confident we can help you.
