Addiction and dependency — compulsive engagement with a substance or behaviour despite harmful consequences — affect millions of people in the UK. Recovery is absolutely possible. Therapy is central to sustained recovery, addressing not just the behaviour itself but the underlying needs, trauma and patterns that drive it.
Addiction is characterised by compulsive engagement with a substance or behaviour despite negative consequences, loss of control over use, and continued use in the face of a desire to stop. It involves changes in brain reward, motivation and impulse-control systems that make stopping genuinely difficult — not simply a matter of willpower.
Addiction is not a moral failing. It develops through a complex interplay of genetic vulnerability, environmental factors, trauma, mental health, and the neurological effects of repeated exposure. Common addictions include alcohol, recreational and prescription drugs, gambling, pornography, gaming, food, work and shopping. Behavioural addictions involve the same neurological mechanisms as substance addictions and deserve the same level of care.
Signs of addiction or dependency include:
Effective addiction treatment combines psychological, medical and peer support:
Medical detoxification is necessary for alcohol, benzodiazepine and opioid dependency before psychological work can fully begin — involve your GP or addiction specialist if this applies.
If you are concerned about your use of a substance or behaviour, speaking to your GP is a safe first step. NHS drug and alcohol services offer free assessment and support. FRANK, Drinkline and Gamcare all offer confidential helplines. If dependent on alcohol or benzodiazepines, do not stop suddenly without medical guidance — withdrawal can be medically serious.
We don't currently have any therapies mapped to this condition.
Contemporary understanding recognises addiction as a complex condition involving real changes in brain structure and function that impair impulse control and decision-making. This does not mean people have no agency in recovery — they do — but framing it purely as a moral choice ignores the neuroscience and leads to ineffective approaches.
For many addictions, including behavioural addictions, psychological therapy alone can be very effective. For physical dependence on alcohol, benzodiazepines or opioids, medically supervised detoxification is necessary alongside psychological work.
Relapse is common and should be understood as part of the recovery process rather than failure. Most people require multiple attempts before achieving sustained recovery. Each attempt builds knowledge and skills.
Supporting someone with an addiction requires balancing care with clear limits. Enabling behaviours — covering up consequences, providing money that funds use — maintain addiction rather than helping. Al-Anon offers support specifically for family members.
Physical dependence means the body adapts to a substance such that stopping causes withdrawal — this can occur with prescribed medications without addictive behaviour. Addiction involves compulsive use despite harm and loss of control. The two are distinct though they frequently co-occur.