Eating Disorder & Addiction Specialists
Counselling for addictions, eating disorders and compulsive behaviour in Chelsea and Harley Street, central London

Alcohol

Alcohol can seem like a best friend, making the drinker feel confident, relaxed and happy. But when simply enjoying a drink starts to become a way of getting through the day or of coping with stress, it can be the start of a slow and painful descent into abuse that has devastating effects on family, relationships and finances. The alcoholic can find it almost impossible to stop drinking - that 'best friend' has taken over their life, becoming a necessity in order to survive.

Have you noticed any of the following around your alcohol use?

• The secretive use of alcohol, hiding it from others
  
• The feeling that one drink is never enough
  
• Obsessive thoughts and patterns of behaviour based around alcohol use
  
• Constantly thinking about the time and place of your next drink
  
• Loss of concentration and control, shaking hands or blackouts
  
• Defensiveness when challenged about the amount you drink
  
• Struggling to function effectively at work
  
• Drinking alone
  
• Spending more time in a bar or with a drink in your hand than at home or at leisure
  
• Needing a drink to relax, or to feel a sense of confidence and belonging

Drugs

To anyone without experience of drug addiction it seems strange that our lives could be ruled so totally by damaging behaviour which we just cannot control. But the central feature of any addiction is exactly that - a progressive loss of control. And once someone has become dependent they can continue and increase their destructive behaviour, with devastating consequences for user and loved one alike.

Have you experienced any of the following in relation to drug use?

• An increasing need to use drugs to relax
  
• Growing dependence on prescription drugs
  
• Loss of relationships or growing distance in relationships
  
• Mood swings, anxiety and growing dependence on a drug to stabilise your moods
  
• Reduced periods of abstinence from using drugs
  
• Obsessive thoughts and cravings based around a drug
  
• Taking time off work due to tiredness from increased drug use
  
• Difficulty in concentrating
  
• Growing debt from increased drug use

Learning to cope with feelings on a daily basis is the first step towards freedom from substance abuse. With encouragement and understanding healthy relationships can be restored, and those affected can start to live a better life. If you would like help with an addiction to alcohol or other drugs, click here to contact one of our specialists.