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Are You Suffering From an Addiction?
Are You Suffering From an Addiction? If so read on ….
Addictions are varied and common. Some of the most common issues I help clients with are stopping smoking, alcohol problems and food addiction but others such as internet addiction are becoming increasingly prevalent.
The most important question when we begin discussing addition is what constitutes an addiction? The truth is that any behaviour which is causing you or your loved ones problems can be treated as an addiction but there are three important points to consider:
- Is the behaviour maladaptive or counter-productive, undermining your ability to function normally in daily life?
- Is the behaviour persistent?
- Do you feel like you lack control and are unable to stop?
If you answer yes to all of these it’s likely that you have an addiction.
Warning Signs of Addiction
Physical signs of addiction are usually those that show your body is struggling to deal with the pressure you’re putting on it. These can include bloodshot eyes, weight changes and disturbed sleep as well as many others.
Psychological signs may include feeling fearful or anxious, obsession, changes in energy, mood swings, anger, personality changes and trouble with motivation.
These may be hard for you to notice yourself so pay attention to how others are reacting to you or the opinions of your friends and family. It may be that they’ve been trying to express their concern but are unsure how to do so.
Behavioural signs include things such as damaged relationships, loss of interest in hobbies or activities you previously enjoyed, financial issues, fights, getting in trouble with the police and lying.
Whilst some of these might seem quite extreme, ask yourself whether your habit is having any negative effect on your life, relationship or happiness. If it is, the sooner you seek help the more quickly you can find freedom from the controls of addiction and rebuild your life.
Treatment for Addiction
The good news is that addiction is not just lack of willpower or weakness, but a real medical problem that can be treated similarly to depression or anxiety. The causes of addiction are varied but it’s often possible to cure addiction by addressing the underlying issues.
These could include traumatic experiences or memories, family history, other disorders such as depression and anxiety, low self-esteem or reliance.
Hypnotherapy Treatment
Hypnotherapy is an effective way of achieving permanent behaviour changes because it addresses the cause of the behaviour. I can help you break free of your addiction for good rather than having to struggle each day with willpower alone.
To learn more about how I can help you with any type of addiction please do get in touch.
Further Reading on Addiction
Signs of Relationship Addiction
