What we treat
Addiction therapy - inc. gambling, internet, substances, sex
The compulsive engagement in a behaviour or use of a substance, despite harmful consequences.
If you're struggling with addiction, it can make you feel like you're completely out of control and can’t stop, even though you genuinely want to. This helpless feeling might lead you to hide what you’re going through, which just adds more stress and makes you feel even worse. Trying to keep it all a secret can make depression, loneliness, fear, and anxiety hit even harder. It may keep you from getting the support you need to break the cycle and start your recovery.
When you make an attempt to reduce or quit altogether, you might experience withdrawal symptoms, which can include:
Irritability
Intense cravings for the substance or behaviour
Nausea
Hallucinations
Headaches
Cold sweats
Tremors
These symptoms can be overwhelming and make it challenging to handle the situation all by yourself.
Addiction is a tough, ongoing struggle where you might feel like you’re constantly fighting an urge to keep doing something or using a substance, even though you know it’s not good for you. Whether it’s drugs, alcohol, gambling, or even spending too much time online or engaging in risky behaviors, addiction can seriously mess with your health, mindset, relationships, and happiness.
Addiction often begins with the pleasure or relief you first get from using a substance or engaging in a behavior. It might be the high from drugs, the buzz from alcohol, or the satisfaction from gambling or excessive internet use. However, there comes a time when your body and mind can become dependent on these activities, demanding larger amounts or more frequent engagement to achieve the same feeling. Growing reliant on it makes it difficult to cut back or stop entirely.
Apart from drug and alcohol addiction and smoke addiction, other common addictions include:
Gambling addiction (classified as an impulse-control disorder) exists when you struggle to control your urge to gamble - it persists even when you know full well the harm it does on yourself and your loved ones. Examples of common forms of gambling are sports betting, going to the casino, and lottery.
Internet addiction (classified as problematic internet use or internet use disorder) exists when you have an excessive, compulsive, and problematic use of the internet which has a negative impact on your everyday life.
Substance use disorder includes a compulsive and harmful use of (often illegal) substances, leading to physical and psychological dependence.
Sex addiction (also known as hypersexuality or compulsive sexual behavior disorder) exists when you have a persistent and intense preoccupation with sexual thoughts, fantasies, urges, or behaviors which impacts everyday life.
Addictions frequently lead to deteriorating physical impact and financial hardship, placing strain on relationships and family dynamics. Concealing addiction intensifies stress, leading to arguments and negative emotions such as depression, loneliness, fear, and anxiety. Often, those addicted may deny or downplay their struggles, going to great lengths to conceal their activities and any associated physical symptoms.
Addiction triggers can differ depending on your situation or personality. If you're experiencing stress or anxiety could resort to substances for instant relief. Even if you're feeling positive or excitable, you may seek additional "highs". Environmental triggers, like certain places or particular objects connected to past use, can be strong cues. Social factors, like peer pressure or feeling left out at gatherings can set off the trigger. Certain thought patterns or memories of using substances can bring cravings back, especially if you feel physically tired or uncomfortable.
Genetics also plays a role in many addictions; if addiction is common in your family, you may be at a higher risk of developing similar issues yourself. Family history can make it more challenging to resist addictive behaviors.
Getting exposed to substances early on, especially during the teenage years, is another big factor. The teenage brain is still growing and is super sensitive to addiction. When teens start using drugs or alcohol, it can mess with their brain development and make it easier for these habits to stick around into adulthood.
Additionally, neurochemical imbalances in the brain, such as problems with dopamine — a chemical involved in pleasure and reward — can also contribute to addiction. When dopamine levels are out of sync, addictive behaviors can become more tempting, as the brain craves the immediate rewards that substances or certain behaviors provide.
There is also a link between mental health issues and addiction. If you suffer with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or ADHD, using substances might seem like a way to self-medicate. The substances are just a band-aid solution for managing symptoms, but such a quick fix tends to escalate the problem over time.
Realizing you need help is a huge step when dealing with addiction. Trying to quit on your own can be very tough, especially with withdrawal symptoms and old habits pulling you back. Seeking professional for addiction therapy is the best way you get through it
A Someone.health psychologist can offer assistance by:
Identifying thought patterns triggering addictions
Recognizing triggers and high-risk situations
Implementing strategies to reduce access
Establishing goals through action plans and alternative activities
Developing skills to manage negative emotions and enhance problem-solving capabilities
Creating plans to prevent relapse and maintaining long-term changes
Offering support for recovery after potential setbacks
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. The road to recovery can be daunting and unsettling, but with the right support, you can regain control and start living a healthier, happier life.
Recognizing the need for intervention is a pivotal step in addressing addiction. Treatment plans must be tailored to each individual's unique circumstances.
Psychologists available online
Tell us what matters to you, compare suitable appointments and keep your care details in your patient profile.
Find an appointmentIt will not always be obvious and it could be gradual. But when you start feeling better, then that means that the therapy is working.
You'll also be able to see things more clearly as you progress with your talk therapy. Healing, however, is not always so clear-cut. There will always be ups and downs. If that happens, you can talk to your psychologist about your progress and be open with what you're feeling.
Australia has regulatory bodies to ensure we maintain consistent and high standards across the psychology profession.
Yes. They are registered with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA), listed with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), and individually selected and monitored by Someone.health's expert clinical team.
Appointments are available immediately
Once you have signed up and we have verified your details, you can choose a psychologist who is available immediately. Our website displays in order of the first available appointment.
Only your GP or a psychiatrist can prescribe medication.
Medication can only be prescribed by medical doctors, which includes general practitioners (GPs) and psychiatrists.
If you need the services of a psychiatrist, please visit Call To Mind, a telehealth service specialising in psychiatry.