Strategies for Dealing with Addictions

Dealing with addictions involves more than just willpower. It also involves having practical strategies which can assist a person to get a greater return from their efforts in reducing or eliminating addictive behaviour. There are many types of addictions including addiction to alcohol, cigarettes or certain other drugs. People can also be addicted to certain behaviours such as gambling and particular sexual behaviours including accessing Internet pornography. Sometimes addictions occur in the context of other mental health problems such as depression and anxiety disorders. For example, individuals suffering from psychological trauma reactions are approximately four times more likely to abuse alcohol and other substances. It can be especially helpful to talk to your general medical practitioner or another mental health professional when addictive behaviours are accompanied by other mental health problems.

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