Problems it can help

Treating Addictions in London

Efficacy's Cognitive Behavioural therapists, based in centres across London & Sevenoaks, are experts and highly training in delivering CBT treatments to help you overcome addictive problems.

All addictions, substances or behaviours, involve both physical and psychological processes. Each person's experience of addiction is slightly different, and addiction usually involves a cluster of some of the following symptoms. One can still be addicted even if one does not have all of the symptoms. There are many different addictions, but similar symptoms span them all.

Common Features

• Tolerance - the need to engage in the addictive behaviour more and more to get the desired effect
• Withdrawal happens when the person does not take the substance or engage in the activity, and they experience unpleasant symptoms, which are often the opposite of the effects of the addictive behaviour
• Difficulty cutting down or controlling the addictive behaviour
• Social, occupational or recreational activities becoming more focused around the addiction, and important social and occupational roles being jeopardized
• The person becoming preoccupied with the addiction, spending a lot of time on planning, engaging in, and recovering from the addictive behaviour

Treatment Options

• Sometimes detoxification is required to medically manage withdrawal from alcohol or drugs
• Individual therapy is the main line of treatment to help the person reach a greater understanding of their addiction and how to overcome it
• Group therapy to allow people with the same addiction problem to share understanding, support and encourage each other
• Residential Treatment to give people the chance to get away from their usual lifestyle into a safe supportive atmosphere with intensive therapy

Evidence Base

Cognitive-behavioural treatments are one of the most frequently evaluated psychosocial approaches to treat addictions.

Evidenced based treatments like cognitive behaviour therapy has been shown most effective when compared with having no other treatment at all. NICE guidelines recommend that cognitive behavioural therapy should be considered for the treatment of co morbid depression and anxiety disorders. http://www.nice.org.uk/nicemedia/pdf/CG051NICEguideline2.pdf

If you would like to find out more or book an assessment in London then call on the number below or complete the online contact form.

Telephone: 020 7808 7900