Understanding the Grip and Finding a Way Forward
Have you found yourself stuck in a cycle of using a substance or engaging in a behaviour that feels impossible to stop, even when you know it’s hurting you or the people you love? Do you feel out of control, despite your best efforts to quit or cut back? Or perhaps you’ve noticed that you need more and more just to feel the same effect, and it’s starting to take over your life?
If any of this feels familiar, you may be facing an addiction. And you’re not alone.
This session offers a compassionate introduction to addiction a complex, deeply personal struggle that affects both the brain and behaviour. It’s not just about willpower. It’s about understanding what’s happening beneath the surface so you can begin to take steps toward healing and reclaiming your life.
Together, we’ll explore
- What Addiction Really Is: Looking beyond the surface to understand the key features of addiction compulsion, loss of control, and continuing a behavior despite its harmful consequences.
- The Brain and Addiction: How addiction rewires the brain’s reward system, creating powerful cravings and emotional dependency that make breaking the cycle feel overwhelming.
- Types of Addiction: Whether it’s substances like alcohol or drugs, or behaviours like gambling, pornography, gaming, shopping, or eating. we’ll unpack the many forms addiction can take.
- Signs and Symptoms: From physical and emotional changes to secretive behaviours and shifting priorities, we’ll identify the red flags that often point to addiction.
- The Addiction Cycle: Understanding the pattern , craving, seeking, using, withdrawal and how it reinforces itself over time.
Impact on Life and Loved Ones: Addiction doesn’t just affect the individual, it strains relationships, disrupts work and finances, damages physical and mental health, and often leads to deep emotional pain.
This session is for anyone who suspects they may be dealing with addiction, those who are concerned about a loved one, or anyone seeking a clearer understanding of this often-misunderstood condition.
There is no shame in seeking help. Addiction thrives in silence, but healing begins with awareness, honesty, and support. You are not beyond help, and it’s never too late to start the journey back to yourself.
Let’s take the first step together.