Addictions
Addiction to an activity or substance often develops as a result of a need to temporarily feel good or escape emotional or physical pain. They commonly take the form of alcohol or drug abuse, but addictions may also present in the form of gambling, shopping, internet use or sexual addiction.
We all have habit forming tendencies, but some people are more vulnerable to developing an addiction because of their family history, exposure to an environment of substance abuse or mental health issues. Most people with an addiction require some form of treatment to help break their addictive behaviour. This is where counselling can help.
Symptoms of Addiction
Over time, addiction can become problematic. Symptoms of an addiction can include:
- You are neglecting responsibilities at work or home.
- Your relationships are deteriorating as a result of the addictive behaviour.
- Attempts to cut down or stop the addiction have been unsuccessful.
When dealing with substance addiction, additional signs can include:
- You feel unwell or moody without the substance (withdrawal) and feel normal when you resume use.
- You need increasing doses of the substance to achieve the same effect.
- You are organising events and appointments around the timing of use.
- You have an inability to cope with everyday life unless you take the substance.
Treating Addiction
Addictions often occur as a result of unresolved emotional problems. By not dealing with these emotional problems, addictions can often worsen over time, destroying your life and relationships.
During the counselling process, a psychologist will aim to uncover the cause of your addiction and discover the trigger points for addictive behaviour. They will also take the relevant steps in helping you to control the addiction so it doesn’t control you. This includes breaking addictive patterns, learning coping strategies to manage day to day stresses and changing negative thinking patterns.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, our counsellors can help. Make an appointment to see a Life Resolutions® psychologist today.
Types of Addiction
Medicare Rebates
Medicare rebates are available for psychological treatment by registered psychologists under the Australian Government’s Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative. This scheme provides considerable financial assistance to people living with mental heath problems, allowing them greater access to psychologists and providing more affordable mental healthcare.
To access the Medicare Rebate, you need your GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician to complete a detailed mental health assessment and prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan before referring you to a psychologist.
You may be eligible to receive Medicare rebates immediately into your bank account when paying for your session by cash, credit card, EFTPOS or cheque at all Life Resolutions® locations.
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