I offer addiction therapy for
What is addiction?
Symptoms and signs of addictions
Addiction recovery
What is addiction therapy for?
Gambling addiction
Gaming addiction
Eating disorders
Internet and social media addiction
AI addiction
I offer addiction therapy for
• Substances addictions such as alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, tobacco, e-cigarettes, GHB, heroin, ketamine, sugar, prescription medication, etc
• Behavioural addictions such as the internet, AI addiction, shopping, gambling, co-dependency, hoarding, sex addiction, pornography, love addiction, workaholism, gaming addiction/disorder (read below) and so on
• Eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder and other specified feeding and eating disorder (OSFED)
What is addiction?
Addiction is a condition of compulsion and engaging in activities that can be pleasurable but ultimately harmful in the long-term, and as a result can interfere with ordinary responsibilities and concerns such as work, education, relationships, family and health.
There are different types of addictions that can affect people on mental, emotional and physical levels ie substance additions, eating disorders and behavioural addictions. For example, internet addiction to social media such as Facebook is a behavioural addiction that creates a craving for a ‘false’ sense of validation and self-esteem. It’s been recognised that Facebook addiction is now an epidemic. “We have so many digital addicts now. It’s an epidemic addiction to digital technology, including Facebook ‘likes’.” says Chris McGovern, chairmen of the Campaign for Real Education. (read more about gaming addiction below)
“Addiction is when natural biological imperatives, like the need for food, sex, relaxation or status, become prioritized to the point of destructiveness.”
Russell Brand, Recovery: Freedom From Our Addictions
Addiction is an uncontrollable compulsion and a craving for something, a substance or behaviour. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter what the addict craves for. It could be alcohol, drugs, sugar, sex, pornography, stuff, playing games, etc. Addicts will negotiate their integrity, their health to get their hands on what they crave. Addictions control addicts and it is a form of attachment. Without proper help and addiction therapy, usually, addicts destroy themselves, their health, their relationships, their families, their careers, their lives.
Symptoms and signs of addictions
There are many signs and symptoms of any behavioural addiction such as preoccupation with the addiction, increased frequency of addiction, obsessions, psychological problems, persistence to continue with the addiction and chaotic life.
Addiction recovery
Addiction recovery starts with a realisation of an addiction problem and reaching out for professional help. Long-term recovery from addiction requires a commitment to changing one’s mindsets, behaviour and lifestyle.
What is addiction therapy for?
Addiction therapy and counselling are essential parts of any treatment for substance abuse or behavioural addictions or eating disorders intended to resolve personal or psychological problems.
Firstly, the aim of addiction therapy and recovery is to help people who are addicted, to set achievable and empowering short-term goals as they manage to overcome their addiction and develop new coping strategies.
Secondly, adaptive skills are developed so the person can recover physical, emotional and mental health.
Thirdly, the addiction therapist helps to explore the source or cause of the addiction.
Lastly, the addiction therapist and the client work together to set long-term goals which include rebuilding damaged health and relationships, accepting responsibility for actions and releasing shame and guilt as well as moving forward with clarity, focus and purpose.
Gambling addiction
Gambling addiction (also known as pathological gambling, compulsive gambling, gambling disorder) is an impulse-control disorder. An underlining feature of gambling addiction is impulsivity. Gambling addiction can have associated and underlining behaviour and mood disorders as well as substance abuse issues, unmanaged ADHD, stress, depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Like with any addictions the underlying causes need to be addressed.
Gambling addiction affects 1-3% of adults of all ages (men more often than women). With legislation changes, the UK gambling market is steadily growing. In 2018-2019 the British gambling industry made £14.4 billion and it’s estimated that 32% of the population gamble weekly. Gambling addiction is estimated to cost the UK up to £1.2 billion per year. There are an estimated 300-540k problem gamblers in the UK. Liz Ritchie, of the Gambling with Lives charity, says that “There are 250-650 gambling-related suicides per year in the UK and suicides by young people are rising.”
Gaming addiction: An Emerging Concern
Listen to this podcast about gaming addiction below
Matt Hancock, the former UK Secretary for Health and Social Care, highlighted the potential risks of excessive screen time, stating: “Too much screen time could have a damaging impact on our children’s lives. Whether it’s social media or video games, children should enjoy them safely and as part of a lifestyle that includes exercise and socialising in the real world” (BBC, 2018). With the gaming industry valued at over $200 billion as of 2023, surpassing the combined revenue of the film, music, and publishing industries (Statista, 2023), the potential for widespread impact is immense. The majority of gamers fall within the age bracket of 28 to 35 years old, although younger individuals represent a significant and vulnerable demographic.
Prevalence of Gaming Addiction
Studies estimate that between 1% and 10% of gamers experience gaming addiction, with the World Health Organization (WHO) suggesting a prevalence rate of 3-4% globally (WHO, 2018). This trend is on the rise as games increasingly incorporate advanced technologies such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR), which enhance immersion and engagement.
In September 2018, the WHO officially recognised gaming addiction as a mental health condition, termed “gaming disorder”, in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) (WHO, 2018). Gaming disorder is characterised by impaired control over gaming, prioritisation of gaming over other activities to the extent that it takes precedence over daily responsibilities, and continuation or escalation of gaming despite negative consequences.
Impact on Health and Society
Gaming addiction can severely impair various aspects of life, including career, education, physical health, and relationships. Prolonged and compulsive gaming often leads to sleep deprivation, sedentary behaviour, and associated health problems such as obesity and musculoskeletal issues (NHS, 2019). Furthermore, excessive gaming can result in social isolation and strained family relationships, as individuals prioritise virtual interactions over real-world connections.
Support and Interventions
In response to the growing concern, the NHS has incorporated specialised services for gaming addiction under its Long Term Plan. The NHS Centre for Internet and Gaming Disorders, launched in 2019, provides support for children and young adults struggling with gaming-related issues (NHS, 2019). The centre employs a multidisciplinary approach, including cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), family therapy, and educational workshops, to address the psychological and social dimensions of gaming addiction.
Contributing Factors
The addictive nature of video games can be attributed to their design, which often incorporates reward systems, social interaction, and immersive storylines. Games are engineered to exploit psychological mechanisms such as variable rewards, which reinforce compulsive behaviour (WHO, 2018). Additionally, multiplayer online games foster a sense of community and competition, making it challenging for players to disengage.
Future Directions
As gaming continues to evolve, with the integration of more advanced technologies, the potential for addiction may increase. Policymakers, educators, and healthcare providers must collaborate to raise awareness, implement preventive measures, and expand access to treatment. Parental guidance and the promotion of balanced lifestyles that include physical activity and offline social interactions are also crucial in mitigating the risks associated with gaming.
Read a detailed analysis of gaming addiction
References
- BBC (2018). Health Secretary’s Warning on Screen Time. Retrieved from BBC News
- Statista (2023). Gaming Industry – Global Revenue 2023. Retrieved from Statista
- World Health Organization (2018). Gaming Disorder. Retrieved from WHO
- NHS (2019). Internet and Gaming Addiction Clinic Launch. Retrieved from NHS
Eating disorders
Dieting doesn’t work. Only 3% of people who attempt any diet succeed (it makes sense – if dieting worked people who diet would be slim by now). Watch this video below which suggests a simple solution ie mindful eating to start with and seek professional help or eating disorders counsellor. Surveys suggest that 62% of people in the UK who suffer from Eating Disorders experience symptoms under the age of 16 (BEAT/PWC2016).
Internet and social media addiction
Internet and social media addiction is a growing concern, characterised by compulsive use of online platforms that can disrupt daily life, relationships, and mental wellbeing. Constant checking of notifications, endless scrolling, and the pressure to stay connected can create cycles of anxiety, low mood, and reduced focus. For many, what begins as a source of connection or entertainment can develop into an unhealthy dependency that undermines real-world interactions and personal balance. Recognising the signs early and seeking support can help individuals re-establish healthier boundaries with technology and restore a sense of control.
AI addiction
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the way we live and work, yet alongside its benefits there is a growing risk of AI addiction. This form of behavioural addiction can emerge through excessive reliance on AI tools, chatbots, or algorithm-driven platforms, where individuals begin to substitute authentic human interaction, decision-making, or creative engagement with machine-mediated processes. For an addiction psychologist and counsellor working in London and online, it is increasingly important to recognise how AI addiction overlaps with existing concerns such as internet addiction, social media dependency, and gaming disorder, while also presenting new challenges in terms of self-identity, autonomy, and mental health. Early awareness and therapeutic strategies are essential to support individuals in establishing healthier, more balanced relationships with emerging technologies. Read about AI addiction and how to find balance in a world of artificial intelligence (AI)
If you suspect that you may be developing an unhealthy dependency on AI, reaching out for professional support can help you regain balance and create healthier ways of engaging with technology.
Take the first step towards recovery
If you are struggling with addiction or concerned about your relationship with any behaviour or substance, professional support is available.
Contact me today to take the first step towards recovery, balance, and lasting change.
I work as an addiction therapist and counsellor in London, based in Chelsea and South Kensington (SW3), and I also offer sessions online and by phone.
For an informal, free, no-obligation chat, you can call, text, or WhatsApp me on 07737 745 684 (+44 7737 745 684), or email me if you would like to know more.