Addiction expert Gabor Mate describes addiction as a form of response to emotional pain. Addiction is not only about alcohol or drugs. In the short term, any addiction you struggle with, helps numb or drown out negative, unwelcome feelings.

Drugs and alcohol can help overcome feelings of isolation and allow for feelings of closeness and warmth. To begin with, it feels as if it helps ease anxiety, insomnia or depression. Over time, this relief becomes a hindrance to life itself. Commonly your relationships suffer.

It can take time to realize a dependency to alcohol or anything else that we become addicted to. Suddenly stopping at any time is difficult. You might feel lonely and blame yourself.

Counselling support for addiction

Feeling ashamed and guilty over your behaviour, finding a way back to a manageable life requires support. Counselling is a place to come for non judgemental support. In therapy with me, we look beyond the addiction. In some cases, the addiction may not even be part of our conversations. Over time, triggers are easier to resist and you feel differently about yourself in the world.