Addictive Behaviours:
Addictive behaviours are a potentially life-threatening problem. Society has been making great progress in recognising addiction and fighting the stigma around it so that we can have an open conversation about how individuals can solve this tragic problem and escape the cycle of suffering. Addictive behaviour related therapy has been around for over 80 years and has proven effective for millions of recovering addicts. New Adult Pathways practitioners have developed many other new approaches to therapy in the last few decades. Our team take a comprehensive approach using an array of therapies and focusing on the methods that work best for each individual client.
Treating Trauma and Addiction:
Nobody just wakes up one day and decides to become an addict. Falling into the trap of addiction is a process. Often, the process begins with trauma. Faced with insecurity, we seek a sense of safety. We want to feel in control. We want to be able to let go of the hyper-vigilant, fearful state trauma leaves us in. Over half of people seeking treatment for addiction have experienced deep enough trauma to present symptoms. In some cases, people have a clinical diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from dramatic, life-threatening events. In other cases, the trauma symptoms do not reach the level of PTSD. Simply witnessing parents engaged in substance abuse or domestic violence can leave children feeling permanently unsafe, even when they grow to be adults. Sexual, physical or emotional abuse leave psychic scars that can drive risk taking behaviours. Studies indicate that between one quarter and three-quarters of people who survive trauma develop issues related to alcohol abuse. Addiction counsellors once believed that addicts needed to get clean for a few years before trying to address their difficult histories of trauma. But New Pathways guided by a current evidence base and new research, supports treating trauma and addiction together in order to deliver the best results.
Relapse Prevention:
Whether you are a recovering addict or someone who cares about someone in recovery, you can help can prevent a fall back into the trap of addiction by recognising the warning signs of relapse. Getting clean and breaking free from addiction is hard work, but the benefits are certainly worth the effort. Staying clean can be hard too, especially at first. A good rehab program will give you powerful tools to keep yourself on the right path. You’ll learn to hear your thoughts, investigate them critically, and take action based on clear, healthy thinking.
Learning to be more self-aware will help you realise when the freedom you have worked so hard for is at risk. You’ll know how to recognise situations that can trigger a relapse. New Adult Pathways believes that there are at least seven signs of relapse into addiction that you can keep in mind. This will help you know when you need to work extra hard and reach out for help. If you are a New Adult Pathways client, you can sign up for our relapse prevention program. That way, you know you’ll always have someone who understands your unique situation to talk to when you feel at risk of relapse.
