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Addiction

Addiction

Addiction is not limited to substances like alcohol or drugs. Many behaviours can also become addictive, including:

  • Gambling

  • Food or eating behaviours

  • Exercise

  • Shopping

  • Internet or social media use

  • Sex and pornography

 

At its core, addiction involves a repetitive pattern of behaviour that feels difficult to control, despite negative consequences.

 

When we engage in pleasurable activities, the brain releases chemicals such as dopamine, reinforcing the behaviour and increasing the likelihood that we will repeat it. Over time, this can create a powerful cycle where the behaviour becomes less about enjoyment and more about relief, escape, or habit.

 

Addictive behaviours often serve as a way of coping with difficult internal experiences such as:

 

While the behaviour may bring short-term relief or distraction, this is usually temporary. When the behaviour stops, the underlying distress returns—often more intensely—leading to urges to re-engage in the behaviour. This can create a cycle of compulsion, relief, and regret.

Signs and Impact of Addiction

Addiction can affect both physical and psychological health, as well as relationships and day-to-day functioning.

 

Common signs include:

  • Feeling unable to cut down or stop the behaviour

  • Spending increasing amounts of time, energy, or money on it

  • Continuing despite negative consequences

  • Strong urges or cravings

  • Neglecting responsibilities, relationships, or self-care

  • Feelings of guilt, shame, or loss of control

 

Associated difficulties may include:

 

If a behaviour is significantly affecting your wellbeing or functioning, support can be helpful.

How Common is Addiction? (UK Overview)

  • Around 1 in 3 adults report some form of addictive behaviour at a problematic level during their lifetime

  • Approximately 600,000 people in England are dependent on alcohol

  • Drug dependence affects an estimated 300,000+ people in the UK

  • Behavioural addictions (e.g. gambling, internet use) are increasingly recognised, with problem gambling affecting around 0.5–1% of adults, and many more at risk

  • Co-occurring mental health difficulties (e.g. anxiety, depression) are common

What Treatment do we offer?

At Mollart CBT, we treat mild to moderate addictions.
 

Therapy for addiction focuses on understanding the function of the behaviour, reducing harm, and building alternative ways of coping. 


Early sessions typically involve:

  • Developing a clear understanding of your pattern of use or behaviour

  • Identifying triggers, maintaining factors, and underlying causes

  • Exploring what the addiction is helping you manage or avoid 
     

From there, therapy supports you to make meaningful and sustainable changes.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a well-established treatment for addiction. It focuses on:

  • Identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns

  • Managing triggers and cravings

  • Developing healthier coping strategies

  • Preventing relapse

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

MI is particularly helpful in the early stages of change. It supports:

  • Resolving ambivalence about stopping or reducing the behaviour

  • Strengthening motivation and commitment to change

  • Working collaboratively and without judgement

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT helps individuals:

  • Manage urges without acting on them

  • Reduce avoidance of difficult emotions

  • Build a life guided by values rather than impulses

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

Originally developed for emotional dysregulation, DBT is effective where addiction is linked to intense emotions. It focuses on:

  • Distress tolerance (coping with urges)

  • Emotional regulation

  • Interpersonal effectiveness

Schema Therapy

Schema therapy is helpful for longer standing or repeated patterns of addiction. It explores:

  • Early experiences and unmet emotional needs

  • Deep-rooted patterns such as feelings of shame, abandonment, or defectiveness

  • Healthier ways of meeting emotional needs

Relapse Prevention Approaches

These focus on:

  • Identifying high-risk situations

  • Developing coping plans

  • Understanding lapses without escalating into full relapse

Reducing vs Stopping

For some behaviours (e.g. alcohol or drugs), abstinence may be the goal.

For others (e.g. food, shopping, exercise), therapy focuses on:

  • Regaining control

  • Developing a balanced and healthy relationship with the behaviour

Additional Support

If addiction is more severe or long-standing, we recommend:

  • Medically supported detox (for alcohol or drug dependence)

  • Input from a psychiatrist for assessment and medication

  • Community or residential rehabilitation programmes

  • Peer support groups (e.g. 12-step or alternatives)

Recovery

Recovery is not simply about stopping a behaviour—it is about understanding what drives it and building a life that no longer requires it.

 

Therapy can help you to:

  • Develop healthier ways of coping with distress

  • Build self-esteem and reduce self-criticism

  • Repair relationships and rebuild trust

  • Create a more balanced and fulfilling life

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Change can feel challenging, and setbacks can happen, but with the right support, sustainable recovery is entirely possible.

Further Support

You may find the following organisations helpful for additional support and information:

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