Addiction

Addiction is a difficulty in controlling one’s dependency on a substance or activity. One may experience a compulsive need to do, take, or use something, creating a cycle that becomes difficult to break.
Addiction Counseling and Therapy Online.

What is Addiction ?

Addiction is a complex condition that compels an individual to repeatedly partake in a substance or activity that either creates a physical or mental pleasurable feeling. This is what urges one to recreate the sensation. It may then develop into a habit which is difficult to undo. People who become addicted may experience unpleasant ‘lows’, and it may feel easier to stop the craving than fight it, which furthers the habit. Over time one may develop a tolerance level towards something and build an addiction as higher doses are required.

Symptoms of Addiction

According to the DSM-5’s criteria for Substance Abuse Disorder, if an individual displays 3 or more of the following, it may indicate a pattern of addiction:

  • Tolerance – where one requires a higher dose of the substance to feel its effect, or where the effects reduce over time with the same dosage
  • Withdrawal may occur- with feelings of irritation, nausea, or shakiness, anxiety and a lack of focus. There may be a need to relieve the symptoms of withdrawal (craving)
  • One may also be addicted if the substance is taken in greater quantities or for longer times than originally intended
  • One has limited control over efforts to cut down usage, as repeated attempts may be unsuccessful
  • A large portion of one’s time is spent either attempting to acquire, use or recuperate from it
  • Use of the substance negatively impacts one’s social, work and leisure activities
  • Use of the substance continues despite knowledge of it’s negative influence and harmful physical or psychological effects

Types of Addiction

The types of addiction vary based on how they are categorized.

In terms of the cause of addiction, it may be classified as a physical addiction or psychological addiction.

Physical addiction
This manifests as a dependency on a substance or behavior that creates a pleasurable feeling or induces a ‘high’ in the individual. It has a physiological effect on the body and people repeat the behavior in order to keep feeding this sensation. This is because the experience of the high, is followed by a low that brings one back to one’s reality. These may include substance abuse disorders such as:

  • Alcohol Addiction
  • Nicotine or Smoking Addiction
  • Drug Abuse

Psychological addiction
This manifests as a coping mechanism. An addiction of this type is caused by a need to fulfill aspects of one’s life or help block certain experiences. It is not driven by a physiological dependency. Here, the addiction itself does not matter, but the need to act does. These addictions result in various negative feelings. These may include behavioural addictions such as:

  • Eating disorders
  • Internet addiction
  • Shopping addiction
  • Work additions
  • Exercise addiction
  • Sexual addiction
  • Gambling

Treatment for Addiction

Managing addictions can place a stain on the person suffering from it as well as the people around them. There are multiple ways in which addictions can be treated and these can be implemented at any stage. The earlier one seeks out help to battle one’s addiction, the higher the chances of recovery are. Therapies used are usually a combination of medication and talk-therapy. Techniques such as cognitive behavioural therapy may assist individuals in identifying their patterns of addiction and how to correct them. It may also tackle associated issues that arise. Addiction counselling may also work towards providing forms of support after any rehabilitation, in order to prevent relapse- such as the Alcoholics or Narcotics Anonymous groups. Treatment of addiction thus attempts to improve all aspects of one’s life and may often include counselling of people close to someone suffering from addiction

Counsellors for Addiction

Priya Dey
  • Mumbai

  • Just know that there is help and your life could be better if you go out and seek it. Allow me to help you through the journey.

    Addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Relationship Issues, Mood Disorder, Stress, Anger Issues, Personal Counseling

  • Session Fee:  1000
Mamata Iyer

  • Mrs. Mamata Iyer

  • Dip. Counselling Psychology, M.A. Clinical Psychology, REBT Certified
  • Mumbai

  • I work as a clinical psychologist, Counsellor psychotherapist & sexual wellness expert with 7 years of work-exp.I believe,every human being contains the potential to self actualize

    Addiction, Child Psychology, Relationship Issues, Mood Disorder, Stress, Anger Issues, Organisational, Personal Counseling

  • Session Fee:  1000
Kanchana Musrif
  • Hyderabad

  • Just know that you are the only person who can make yourself happy and be at peace. You can reach me and we can explore your life's journey to gain back your happiness and peace.

    Addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Relationship Issues, Mood Disorder, Stress, Anger Issues, Personal Counseling

  • Session Fee:  1000
Rajvi Sheth
  • Mumbai

  • Hi There, I am Rajvi Sheth a qualified mental health practitioner. As a counselor, I offer a safe, respectful & non judgmental space for you to freely share your thoughts & feelings

    Addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Child Psychology, Relationship Issues, Mood Disorder, Stress, Anger Issues

  • Session Fee:  1000
richa karthikeyan
  • Noida

  • I understand human emotions fully and the their causes. I have hundred percent success rate with emotional counselling and wellness support. I care deeply about my patients, always made a human connection with them.

    Addiction, Anxiety, Child Psychology, Relationship Issues, Mood Disorder, Stress, Anger Issues, Schizophrenia

  • Session Fee:  1000
Garvita Singh
  • Mumbai

  • It definitely take courage to seek for a more satisfying life and to take the first step towards a change. If you are ready, I look forward to helping you in the best ways I can.

    Addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Child Psychology, Relationship Issues, Stress, Anger Issues, Personal Counseling

  • Session Fee:  2500
Alefiya Hakim
  • Mumbai

  • I am a Counselling Psychologist and I am here to address and sail you through your challenges which stop you achieve and experience your fullest

    Addiction, Anxiety, Relationship Issues, Family Issues, Stress, Grief/Loss, PTSD, General

  • Session Fee:  800
Suraj Shah
  • Mumbai

  • Having done Post Graduation in Applied Psychology from University of Mumbai, I am further trained in psychotherapy from Albert Ellis Institute ATC India.

    Addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Relationship Issues, Mood Disorder, Stress, Anger Issues, Personal Counseling

  • Session Fee:  1000
PADMA C SHAJI
  • Thiruvananthapuram

  • Holding a M.Phil. in Clinical Psychology from Amirtha Institute of Medical Science & Research Center, Padma has 2 Plus Years of experience in Clinical Psychology.

    Addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Mood Disorder, Stress, Anger Issues, Organisational, Personal Counseling

  • Session Fee:  1000
Esther George
  • Pathanamthitta

  • I will be available to provide you mental and emotional support, guide and help you realise your potential in life.

    Addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Organisational, Personal Counseling

  • Session Fee:  1000
Shriya Vashisht

  • Mrs. Shriya Vashisht

  • Certified Counselor. Graduate Diploma in Counselling,
    Singapore. Masters in Counselling, Monash University
  • Mumbai

  • Counselling is a process of knowing about oneself fully so that we can reach our maximum potential. Sometimes our beliefs, feelings and emotions stop us to reach our goals.

    Addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Relationship Issues, Family Issues, Mood Disorder, Stress, Anger Issues

  • Session Fee:  900
George M Kakkanatt
  • Texas

  • A former Captain in the United States Air Force, Dr.George Kakkanat is a psychotherapist by profession, practicing in Houston, Texas.

    Addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Child Psychology, Relationship Issues, Stress, Anger Issues, Personal Counseling

  • Session Fee:  1000
Vijayan P M
  • Thrissur

  • Dr. Vijayan PM is having his masters in Psychology, Business Administration and psychological counseling. He hold his doctorate in Management.

    Addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Relationship Issues, Stress, Grief/Loss, Anger Issues, Personal Counseling

  • Session Fee:  250
Therappo is an Online Counseling site that brings together experienced psychologists & counsellors to clients who need help. Our secure video-chat platform allows sessions to happen in total privacy while remaining in the comfort of your own space (i.e., home or office). Therappo has over 40 experienced psychologists who specialize in areas such as Depression, Anxiety, Career Issues, Marriage & Relationship Issues, Stress and many others. All our counselors are fully equipped and trained in Therappo’s online video-chat technology to make your counseling experience comfortable and easy.

NEWLY JOINED THERAPTIST

Ms. Anupa Mehta

Counselling Psychotherapist -Narrative Therapy

Anupa Mehta holds a Master’s degree in 'Narrative Therapy & Community Work' from University of Melbourne, Australia. She is an international member of Australian Counselling Association (ACA).

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