People tend to use substances such as alcohol or other drugs to either increase pleasure or decrease emotional discomfort.  Some people engage in activities that also have a pleasurable effect, such as gambling, shopping, or sexual activity. Over time, some people’s substance use can feel out of control and can have a negative effect on their health, finances, or their ability to function effectively at work, at school, or in relationships. People who have developed an addiction may not be aware that their behaviour is out of control and causing problems for themselves and others.

Psychological treatment can help you to learn strategies to manage cravings, to identify and modify unhelpful thoughts and behaviours associated with the addiction, and develop more adaptive coping responses.