A couple of drinks can
lower anxiety and relax us in a stressful world. Pharmaceutical drugs
are prescribed for our benefit. Alcohol, food, love, sex – and to a
degree some soft drugs and moderate gambling – are all part of life’s
pleasure. Pleasure enhances life and is good for our health and
well-being.
However, in some people, slowly or rapidly, bafflingly life-dominating compulsions can be developed around these ‘pleasures’ to disastrously affect the way an individual thinks and feels. The high or the chilled out state is sought again and again, and the habit progresses till what at one time enhanced and heightened life in a harmless way can reduce the individual to a state of paranoid anxiety and demoralisation. Inevitably there are destructive effects on work performance, finances, friends and sometimes devastating impact on the individual’s family.
However, it is possible to overcome these problems and regain a healthy sense of well-being. As dependence seems to be progressive, so is recovery. I have seen remarkable changes in people, watched broken relationships repair and witnessed individuals find new and richer ways of living.
I have a Masters degree in Addiction Psychology, but also have extensive experience working with people with problems around alcohol, drugs, food and compulsive behaviours. For several years I was a counsellor in residential, halfway house and day care clinics. I’ve worked with the families of addicts, and with those in recovery who wish to consolidate their recovery and continue living successfully, and with others who encounter difficulties in a new life without their old substance or behavioural props.