Alcohol Addiction

Alcoholism is the most serious form of problem drinking and describes a strong, often uncontrollable, desire to drink. Sufferers of alcoholism will often place drinking above all other obligations, including work and family, and may build up a physical tolerance or experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop.

Alcoholism is sometimes known as alcohol addiction or alcohol dependence. It’s slightly different to ‘harmful drinking’ which is an occasional pattern of drinking which can cause damage to your health.

An example of harmful drinking is drinking too much at a party and risking a fall or argument. This pattern may develop into alcoholism if that kind of harmful drinking becomes a habit and happens on a regular basis.

To be diagnosed as an alcohol-dependent person, three of the following (DSM 5) criterion need to be fulfilled;

• High level of tolerance, they need to drink more to obtain the same effect;
• Use and abuse of alcohol for longer and with larger quantities than planned;
• Withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit;
• Unsuccessful attempts at reducing use;
• Most of the time is spent drinking, procuring drink or recovering from heavy use;
• Relationship and human bonds are sacrificed in favour of drinking.
• Alcohol abuse continues, despite realising that it is harmful to the body.

For a no-obligation conversation with one of our professionals, speak with an expert today.

Cannabis

Heavy cannabis consumption can lead to addiction. Amongst the side-effects are changes in sleeping patterns, lethargy, irritable behaviour, paranoia and distortions in the brain’s emotional centre. In addition, studies have linked cannabis to increase the susceptibility to psychotic behaviour and depression.

Cocaine

Cocaine is a powerful and addictive stimulant that is obtained by from coca leaves from the Andean mountains of South America. Although it has medical uses as an anaesthetic, cocaine is mostly used illegally for the extreme form of euphoria that it induces.

Cocaine abuse can severely damage the blood vessels, kidneys and increases the risk of a heart attack or brain seizure. It can cause severe stomach pains and a loss of appetite. Psychologically, it can lead to anxiety, paranoia, irritability and insomnia.

Heroin

Heroin is a drug synthesised from morphine and is one of the most addictive illicit substances available.

While in some countries heroin is prescribed as an analgesic, it is generally sold illegally and often mixed with, or “cut”, with sugar, powdered milk or even poisons such as strychnine. Because heroin users do not know the actual strength of the drug, or its true contents, they constantly run the risk of an overdose. Heroin can also diminish the amount of oxygen that reaches the brain, a condition known as Hypoxia. An overdose can lead to heavy breathing, muscle spasms, convulsions and even death.

Ketamine

Research with ketamine shows that repeated administration of ketamine can damage the brain. Ketamine belongs to a group of drugs (arylcyclohexylamines) of which (in a number of cases) it is becoming increasingly clear that these drugs, when used frequently, can cause high doses of brain damage. These substances could be neurotoxic (toxic to the brain).

GHB

The abbreviation GHB stands for Gamma Hydroxyde Butyric Acid. Someone addicted to GHB uses GHB several times a day. There’s a couple of hours in between. If you are a GHB addict, you sleep badly. You wake up at night because your body needs a new dose of GHB. GHB is very addictive; users can become addicted in a short period of time and many addicts do not even realise they are addicted for a long time.

If you use GHB on a daily basis, suddenly stopping is dangerous and also rehabilitation is very difficult.GHB withdrawal is not without risk. The withdrawal symptoms can be very severe and even life-threatening. We strongly advise you to stop using GHB under medical supervision, as this reduces the risk of relapse.

Gambling Addiction

Gambling addiction is probably the most widespread behavioural addiction. Compulsive gamblers become addicted to sports betting, casino games such as roulette, slot machines or online poker.

Gambling addicts, or compulsive gamblers, have a constant craving that is similar to a cocaine addiction. They tend to get reckless with their finances, and with their relationships, are usually in denial and often lie to those around them.

The internet and smartphones have made gambling much more accessible and the result is that this type of addiction is increasing fast. Unfortunately, there is a general lack of public awareness about this problem.

Symptoms of Gambling Addiction

Do you know someone who is worrying you by exhibiting a possible addiction to gambling? Try asking yourself the following questions.

• Do they seem to be having problems with money but dismiss these or get angry if questioned about it?
• Are they preoccupied with gambling and tend to do it a lot at the expense of relationships and other commitments?
• Do they stay out all night at casinos or betting shops, or spend a lot of time on their computer using virtual gambling sites?
• Have you found money or valuables going missing with no explanation, followed by another “binge” of gambling activity?

For a no-obligation conversation with one of our professionals, speak with an expert today.

Internet/Gaming Addiction

The symptoms of gaming addiction that you experience when you are gaming-addicted are often similar to those of gambling addiction. The main gaming addiction symptoms are:

• obsessive thoughts (not being able to think of anything but gaming)
  health issues
• long-term damage to personal relationships, education and career

Gaming addiction is often accompanied by various symptoms with physical and psychological characteristics. All symptoms are just as bad as with any other addiction.

Sex Addiction / Porn addiction

What is Sexual Addiction?

How much sex or the type of sex does not define sexual addiction. Sexual addiction is used to describe how it feels to be in grips of sexual behaviours and thought that is difficult to stop. Sex is used as a drug to manage, often unconsciously, painful emotions and beliefs about oneself.

Sexual addiction may have been set up in our younger years. It might have been in response to the stressors of growing up, including meeting family and social expectations. Alternately, it might be related to sexual, emotional, physical or spiritual abuse. Extraordinary events and environments beyond the individual or family’s control may have contributed to this addictive pattern.

Having a sexual addiction is not a choice. It is not the fault of the individual nor of their partners. It is often a shameful, difficult, and lonely experience both for the individual and for their partners. We offer support to help you understand sexual addiction and to make changes that lead to a more fulfilling, healthy experience of sexual relationships.

For a no-obligation conversation with one of our professionals, speak with an expert today.

What Is a Drug Addiction?

Addiction is a chronic, often relapsing brain disease. It causes compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences to the addicted person as well as the people around that person. The abuse of drugs — even prescription drugs — leads to changes in the structure and function of the brain.

For most people, the initial decision to take prescription drugs is voluntary. Over a period of time, however, changes in the brain caused by repeated drug abuse affect a person’s self-control and ability to make sound decisions. While this is going on, the person continues to experience intense impulses to take more drugs.