Addiction and abuse therapy
Overcome your addiction – whether it’s alcohol, drugs, gambling, shopping, or other behaviours! Risky substance use, addiction, and abuse are complex, multifactorial conditions, meaning they result from a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental influences.
Individuals with a vulnerability to addiction are at greater risk if they are surrounded by others who engage in substance use or addictive behaviours. Psychological factors, such as seeking short-term relief from low self-esteem, stress, or emotional distress, can also contribute to continued addictive behaviours.
Since short-term rewards often drive human behaviour, individuals with addictions quickly forget the long-term negative consequences of their actions. The brain reinforces destructive dependency patterns because it craves the immediate benefits, leading individuals to persist in harmful behaviours despite knowing the risks.
Addictive behaviours and their consequences
Many people repeatedly engage in substance use or certain behaviours despite negative consequences – a key indicator of addiction.
Common signs of addiction include:
Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home
Taking risks that could harm oneself or others
Experiencing legal or financial difficulties
Continuing the behaviour despite recurring problems
For many individuals, substance use or compulsive behaviours provide temporary relief from emotional or physical discomfort, and they may struggle to see alternative coping mechanisms.
Substance addiction typically includes alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and prescription medication. However, behavioural addictions – such as sex addiction, gambling, compulsive eating, and shopping addiction – share many similarities with substance dependence.
Co-occurring disorders (comorbidity) in addiction
Many individuals struggling with addiction also experience co-occurring mental health conditions, such as:
In cases of comorbidity, treatment must address both the addiction and the underlying mental health concerns. Depending on the primary and secondary issues, treatment may be integrated or sequential.
Developing a personalised treatment plan
A tailored treatment plan is essential for overcoming addiction. Together with a therapist, individuals can establish:
Clear goals
A strategy for behavioural change
Coping skills for managing stress and emotional challenges
A supportive social environment
The therapist acts as a guide and support system throughout the recovery process.
Efficient treatment methods
Individuals struggling with addiction often experience intense cravings and difficulty controlling their consumption or behaviour.
Abstinence can cause psychological withdrawal symptoms, including:
Restlessness
Difficulty concentrating
When the person re-engages in the addictive behaviour, these symptoms temporarily subside – but inevitably return, reinforcing a harmful cycle. Over time, more energy is consumed by the addiction, worsening its impact.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Research has shown that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) are among the most effective treatments for alcohol addiction – one of the most common forms of substance dependence.
These therapies focus on:
A collaborative approach between therapist and client
Avoiding confrontation, which can trigger shame and resistance
Identifying thought patterns and emotional triggers that drive addictive behaviour
Developing alternative coping strategies
This structured approach helps individuals understand their addiction, recognise triggers, and adopt healthier ways to manage cravings and emotions.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for addiction
CBT is an evidence-based therapy that helps individuals understand and manage addictive behaviours.
CBT focuses on:
Identifying internal and external triggers that lead to cravings
Developing relapse prevention strategies
Recognising automatic thoughts and emotional patterns
Addiction is often driven by short-term gratification. When exposed to triggers, cravings can become overwhelming, leading to impulsive decisions.
CBT teaches individuals to:
Recognise triggers
Observe thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations
Allow cravings to pass without acting on them
This helps individuals resist the urge to engage in addictive behaviours and develop long-term coping mechanisms.
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Motivational Interviewing is a non-confrontational approach to addiction treatment.
Why is confrontation avoided?
Confrontation can trigger shame, which may intensify addictive behaviour. Instead, open-ended questions encourage the individual to reflect on the long-term consequences of their behaviour.
By "rolling with resistance", rather than challenging it head-on, individuals often become more motivated to make changes.
Monitoring progress
Regular follow-up sessions are an integral part of addiction treatment.
Why is follow-up important?
It helps evaluate progress and adjust the treatment plan.
It identifies factors that increase the risk of relapse.
It provides strategies for maintaining long-term recovery.
Family and social support
Why involve family and friends?
They can offer encouragement and emotional support.
They help create a healthier environment for recovery.
Family therapy and support groups can improve communication and strengthen relationships.
A strong social support network significantly increases the likelihood of successful long-term recovery.
Recovery and relapse prevention
Recovery from addiction is a long-term process. It is essential to give yourself time to heal and adapt to healthier behaviours and routines.
Strategies for relapse prevention include:
Strengthening self-esteem
Improving communication skills
Developing healthy coping mechanisms for stress
Building a supportive social network
By identifying risk factors and learning effective strategies to manage cravings, individuals can maintain long-term recovery and prevent relapse.
Talk to a psychologist or therapist about addiction
Seeking professional support is a crucial step in overcoming addiction.
At World Psychologistss, our specialists in addiction therapy and CBT help individuals:
Understand the root causes of addiction
Develop tools and strategies for long-term recovery
Create a more balanced and fulfilling life
Book a free consultation to start your journey towards recovery