The Gentle Mind

Addictions

You’re addicted when you don’t have control over doing, taking or using something to the point where it’s harmful to you. Most commonly:

  • Drugs
  • Gambling
  • Alcohol
  • Social media
  • Shopping
  • Work

What causes your addiction?

In the case of drugs, alcohol and nicotine, these substances affect the way you feel, both physically and mentally. These feelings can be enjoyable and create a powerful urge to use the substances again.

Gambling may result in a similar mental "high" after a win, followed by a strong urge to try again and recreate that feeling. This can develop into a habit that’s very hard to stop.

Being addicted to something means that not having it causes withdrawal symptoms, or a "come down". Because this is unpleasant, it's easier to carry on having or doing what you crave, and so the cycle continues.

Addictions get out of control when you need more and more to satisfy a craving and achieve the "high".

Why?

Usually what you’re trying to do is lower your stress levels and somehow please yourself. You’re agitated, bored, stressed, emotionally upset, or thrill-seeking to make up for something you feel is missing in day-to-day life.

Let’s attack it from all sides

Using Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy together we’ll look at your current thoughts feelings and behaviours. What situations trigger feelings, and thoughts and how do you then act negatively.

Then how to relax when you face a trigger situation. Relaxation gives you greater self-control so you’re less stressed, anxious, or agitated. With less tension, you’re less likely to look to your addicted response.

Let’s also take a long hard look at the facts. How much is this addiction costing you? Damaging your health? Ruining your relationships? We’re looking to ramp up your motivation, your desire to change for the better.

We’ll use hypnosis and self-hypnosis to make you more relaxed and build confidence – believe in yourself.

Together we’ll look at how you currently think and create a set of positive beliefs, things to say to yourself and statements to help you cope.

Looking at your daily life we’ll develop a plan to avoid trigger situations, and learn how to handle trigger situations with positive messages and learn new patterns of behaviour.

Contact me