Issues & Solutions

We are all prone to habits – it’s a perfectly normal part of life. A problem arises when these habits start to affect your daily life, emotions and relationships or tip into addictive behaviours.

Sometimes addictions can be used as a way to mask other mental or emotional problems. Ultimately, having difficulty controlling or becoming dependent on behaviours or substances that have harmful effects on one or others can have a detrimental consequences on one’s everyday life. One’s addictive behaviours can cause feelings of inadequacy and/or low self-esteem which might cause one to rely more on one’s addiction. One may find oneself caught in a pattern of repetition, much like a revolving door. In these cases it becomes vital to address all the issues involved.

The term “self-medicating” is being used more and more to describe the way in which people are dealing with a problem in their lives. When we feel under pressure, overwhelmed or just that something is not right in our lives and that causes pain and distress it is only human to gravitate towards something available to us to ease our discomfort. You feel bad but don’t know why, so you find something that makes you feel better. It is very unhelpful to label people with addictions as those who can’t help themselves, when in reality they have tried to find a way to support themselves but have, sadly, chosen and unhealthy way to do it.

Addiction can take many different forms and affect people in many different ways. Exploration and discussion may help you to understand why you are behaving in this manner. Please consider contacting you GP or a trained counsellor if you feel you are struggling with an addiction or addictive behaviour.

National charities and support groups for this issue: