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.
See therapies that may helpAddiction 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.
Showing 12 therapies linked to Addiction / dependency support.
| Therapy | Evidence | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Behavioural Therapist |
strong
|
CBT helps people in recovery identify triggers and cravings and build coping strategies to prevent relapse. |
| Counsellor |
strong
|
Counselling offers a confidential space to explore the roots of dependency and work towards sustained change. |
| ISTDP Practitioner |
strong
|
ISTDP works to surface the buried emotions that often drive compulsive substance use and dependency. |
| Psychotherapist |
strong
|
Psychotherapy explores the underlying patterns and pain that fuel addiction, supporting lasting recovery. |
| Arts Therapist |
moderate
|
Arts therapy gives a non-verbal outlet to process feelings tied to dependency, complementing established recovery treatment. |
| EMDR Practitioner |
moderate
|
EMDR may help where past trauma underlies substance use, used as part of a wider recovery plan rather than alone. |
| EFT Practitioner |
moderate
|
EFT tapping is sometimes used to ease cravings and distress in recovery, though evidence is limited and it shouldn't replace professional care. |
| Hypnotherapist |
moderate
|
Hypnotherapy is used to reinforce motivation to quit and reduce cravings, as a supportive aid alongside proper addiction care. |
| Life Coach |
moderate
|
Life coaching can help maintain recovery goals and rebuild routines, but it complements rather than replaces clinical addiction treatment. |
| Mindfulness Practitioner |
moderate
|
Mindfulness can help people notice cravings without acting on them, supporting relapse prevention alongside other care. |
| Nutritional Therapist |
moderate
|
Nutritional therapy may support physical recovery and mood during withdrawal, as a complement to professional addiction care. |
| Regression Therapist |
moderate
|
Regression therapy aims to revisit early experiences thought to underlie dependency, with limited evidence and not a substitute for proper care. |
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.