Behaviour Addiction: When Habits Become Harmful

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of pleasure and instant gratification. This can lead to the development of unhealthy behaviours that can spiral into addiction. Addiction can be a challenging journey to navigate alone.

Unlike substance addiction, behaviour addiction involves compulsive engagement in activities that, despite negative consequences, provide a sense of pleasure or relief.

Common Behaviours That Can Become Addictive

• Gambling: The thrill of the chase and the potential for big wins can make gambling highly addictive.

• Internet addiction: Excessive use of the internet, including online gaming, social media, and pornography, can interfere with daily life and relationships.

• Food addiction: Overeating and compulsive eating can lead to health problems and emotional distress.

• Workaholism: The constant need to be productive and achieve can lead to burnout and neglect of other important areas of life.

• Exercise addiction: Excessive exercise can become a way to cope with stress and anxiety, but it can also lead to injuries and overtraining.

  
  

Signs of Behaviour Addiction

• Loss of control: You find it difficult to stop or limit the behaviour, even when it has negative consequences.

• Neglect of responsibilities: You prioritise the addictive behaviour over other important obligations, such as work, school, or relationships.

• Emotional distress: You experience withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, irritability, or depression, when you try to reduce or stop the behaviour.

• Tolerance: You need to engage in the behaviour more frequently or intensely to achieve the same level of satisfaction.

  
  

Gestalt Counselling Approach to Behaviour Addiction

Gestalt counselling is a holistic approach to therapy that focuses on the here and now. It helps individuals to become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours and to take responsibility for their choices.

In working with individuals struggling with behaviour addiction, Gestalt counsellors use a variety of techniques to help them:

• Increase self-awareness: Counsellors help clients to become more mindful of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, and to identify the triggers that lead to addictive behaviour.

  
  

• Explore underlying emotions: Addiction can often be a way to mask or avoid underlying emotional issues, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. Counsellors help clients to explore and address these emotions in a safe and supportive environment.

  
  

• Develop healthy coping mechanisms: Counsellors help clients to develop healthy ways to cope with stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges. This may involve mindfulness practices, exercise, relaxation techniques, or creative expression.

  
  

• Build a support network: Counsellors can help clients to connect with others who have similar experiences and to build a support network. This can provide encouragement, accountability, and a sense of belonging.

  
  

If you are struggling with behaviour addiction, Gestalt counselling can provide you with the tools and support you need to make positive changes in your life.

Remember, you are not alone. Help is available.