Addiction Counseling Online

What is Addiction?

Addiction is a complex condition caused by an interaction of biological (genetics, brain chemistry, illness etc.),  psychological (anxiety, depression, low self-esteem etc.) and environmental factors (traumatic experiences, economic status, education etc.). It is characterised by compulsive engagement in a substance or behaviour despite harmful or negative consequences.

Addiction can develop through unhelpful coping strategies used to avoid painful memories, thoughts or feelings that have helped us to feel excited or rewarded in some way. Unfortunately, these coping behaviours can eventually destroy our lives, costing us our health, career and relationships.

What Does An Addiction Look Like?

Some of the symptoms involve a loss of control, cravings, tolerance, a loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities, depression and anxiety and other health issues, as well as withdrawal symptoms when stopping.

Common signs of addiction include;

• Neglecting responsibilities

• Significant amount of time and effort spent on the addictive activity

• Social and interpersonal problems

• Secrecy

• Denial to family and friends.

Addiction can lead to trouble with the law, loss of relationships and in some instances, death. It is estimated that 1 in 20 Australian adults has an addiction or substance abuse problem. Online addiction counselling is growing rapidly since 2020 and outcomes of Telehealth are proving to be as effective as other forms of addiction therapy.

Forms of Addiction

Addiction can be split up into two main forms: substance use disorders and behavioural addiction both share commonalities of loss of control, cravings, and negative impacts on the individual’s life. 

Substance Use Disorders

Substance use disorders refers to the compulsive use of drugs or alcohol despite harmful or negative consequences. It involves dependence on the substance for the user both physically and psychologically, leading to tolerance (needing more to have the same effect) and experiencing unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit or reduce use. Common substances associated with addiction are alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, stimulants, opiods, and various illicit drugs and prescription medication.

Types of Substance Use Disorders

Common substances associated with addiction are alcohol, nicotine/vaping, stimulants, Cannabis and various illicit drugs and prescription medication.

• Alcohol is consumed by 77% of the adult Australian population so is the most common and chronic addiction disorder marked by compulsive, harmful alcohol use, loss of control, and physical and psychological dependence on alcohol. 

• Nicotine addiction is the dependence on tobacco products characterised by a compelling need to smoke or vape and nicotine product and withdrawal symptoms experienced upon cessation. 

• Stimulant addiction involves the compulsive use of substances like amphetamines (ICE) or cocaine leading to an increase in energy, alertness, and euphoria. Resulting in physical, psychological and social consequences when abused. In extreme circumstances, stimulant addiction can lead to permanent brain damage and long term mental health conditions for the user. 

• Cannabis addiction is the habitual, compulsive use of marijuana or related products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), resulting in physical and psychological dependence. Cannabis addiction can result in impaired functioning for the user i.e., impairment of memory, attention, coordination, reaction time and fine motor skills.

Behavioural Addictions

Behavioural addictions involve the compulsive engagement in a particular behaviour or activity despite negative consequences. This form of addiction is just as psychologically and behaviourally addictive as substances. Some common behavioural addictions include;

• Gambling addiction

• Social media addiction

• Internet or gaming addiction

• Porn and sex addiction

• Shopping addiction

  
  Types of Behavioural Addictions

  Some common behavioural addictions include gambling addiction, internet or gaming addiction, sex addiction, and shopping addiction. 

• Gambling addiction or problem gambling is the compulsive need to gamble, despite negative financial or other social consequences. In Australia, gambling is a large problem in society due to its widespread availability of various forms i.e., pokies, casinos, sports betting apps, and online gambling sites. 

• Social Media addiction or social media use disorder refers to the excessive and compulsive use of social networking platforms resulting in negative impacts on the individual’s daily life, mental or physical health, and relationships. 

• Gaming addiction is the excessive use of video games, to the detriment of the individual’s life, responsibilities, and well-being. This addiction is becoming more prevalent in our society and can cause long term affects to the persons mental and physical wellbeing. The main health effects are caused by the sedentary nature of gaming, the typically extensive hours of gaming, resulting in sleep and eating disturbances, and the socially isolating nature of gaming. As with any addiction, a loss of control, cravings for gaming, an increase tolerance for time spent gaming, and aversive symptoms of withdrawal when ceasing gaming exist. 

• Porn addiction is the compulsive need to view pornography in various forms to the point where it interferes with daily life, relationships, and well-being. Porn addiction can derive from a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors and can be a form of escapism from difficult memories or emotions for the individual.

Types of Therapy for Treating Addictions

Treatment approaches for addictions include a combination of therapy, an increase in social and medical (in some cases) support, as well as lifestyle changes. In accordance with the Australian Psychological Society (APS), Kind Mind Psychology has professional online addiction psychologists who offer a combination of evidence-based therapies delivered via telehealth to address addiction issues which include: 

• Psychoeducation involving thorough assessment of addictive behaviours or substance use as well as providing accurate, up-to-date education and feedback to the client on the impact of use on their mental and physical wellbeing. 

• Motivational interviewing is part of addiction therapy as it aims to enhance motivation for change by exploring and resolving ambivalence about reducing substance use or behaviours and helps to understand each individuals motivation to quit or reduce.

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is used in addiction therapy to identify and modify any unhelpful thoughts and behaviour patterns, and increase confidence for change through developing more positive coping skills. Your addiction psychologist will assist you with practicing these skills to make permanent changes to your life.

• Schema Therapy is part of addiction therapy as it identifies any unmet needs and core beliefs stemming from childhood which impact negatively on our emotions, thoughts and patterns of behaviours.  Schema therapists can help you to meet any unmet core emotional needs and weaken unhelpful patterns of behaviour to more positive ways to cope. Schema Therapy is useful in treating traumatic experiences which are commonly associated with addiction.

An integral part of overcoming an addiction involves understanding the neural pathways involved which release ‘feel good’ chemicals when we participate in these behaviours, and to learn new ways to feel fulfilled emotionally.

Impact of Untreated Addiction Disorders

If addiction disorders are left untreated they can have disastrous consequences to yours and the people you love lives. Addictions can cause:

• Major health issues inc. long term damage to vital organs and brain functioning

• Anxiety and depression or psychotic disorders

• Relationship difficulties, divorce, estrangement and isolation from family and friends, loss of children from your custody etc.

• Financial hardships

• Imprisonment or other criminal charges i.e., theft or DV

These are just some of the common serious consequences to untreated addiction disorders. So if you are struggling with addiction, reaching out to our online addiction psychologists will be the first step to turning your life around, it is never too late!