Addiction: Meaning Addiction is a chronic psychological and behavioural condition in which a person repeatedly engages in a substance use or behaviour despite harmful consequences, due to loss of control, craving, and emotional dependence. ⸻ Types of Addiction 1. Substance Addiction Involves chemicals that alter brain functioning. • Alcohol • Tobacco Nicotine • Drugs (Heroin, Cannabis, Cocaine, MDMA) • Prescription drugs (painkillers, sedatives) 2. Behavioural Addiction Compulsive behaviours without substance intake. • Mobile Internet addiction • Gaming addiction • Gambling • Shopping addiction • Pornography addiction • Food addiction ⸻ Impact of Addiction on Behaviour & Mental Health • Irritability, anger, mood swings • Anxiety and depression • Poor impulse control • Relationship conflicts • Low self-esteem and guilt • Poor concentration and motivation ⸻ Improving Behaviour in Addiction (Counselling Goals) 1. Awareness Building • Help client recognize problem behaviour • Identify triggers, thoughts, and emotions 2. Motivation Enhancement • Increase readiness for change • Reduce denial and resistance 3. Behaviour Modification • Replace addictive behaviour with healthy coping skills • Improve self-control and emotional regulation 4. Relapse Prevention • Teach skills to manage craving and high-risk situations ⸻ De-Addiction Techniques in Counselling & Psychotherapy 1. Motivational Interviewing (MI) • Non-judgmental, client-centred • Enhances intrinsic motivation • Useful in early stages of addiction Techniques: Open questions, reflective listening, affirmations ⸻ 2. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) Most effective for addiction treatment. Focuses on: • Identifying irrational thoughts (“I can’t cope without it”) • Behavioural experiments • Coping skills training Techniques: • Thought record • Trigger–craving–response cycle • Behavioural substitution ⸻ 3. Behaviour Therapy • Reinforcement of positive behaviour • Reducing access to addictive stimulus Techniques: • Token economy • Habit reversal training • Contingency management ⸻ 4. Mindfulness-Based Therapy • Increases awareness of craving without acting on it • Improves emotional control Techniques: • Urge surfing • Breathing exercises • Body scan meditation ⸻ 5. Family Counselling • Addresses enabling behaviour • Improves communication and support system ⸻ 6. Relapse Prevention Therapy • Identifying high-risk situations • Planning coping responses • Managing lapses without guilt ⸻ 7. Psychoeducation • Teaching about addiction cycle • Normalizing recovery struggles • Building realistic expectations ⸻ Stages of Change (Important for Counsellors) 1. Pre-contemplation 2. Contemplation 3. Preparation 4. Action 5. Maintenance 6. Relapse (part of recovery) ⸻ Role of Counsellor Psychotherapist • Build trust and therapeutic alliance • Maintain empathy, not confrontation • Set short-term achievable goals • Encourage self-efficacy “Addiction is not a failure of willpower, but a treatable psychological condition. With proper counselling and psychotherapy, recovery is possible Contact:— Arunoday counselling clinics in Indore Marital counsellor Mental Health Therapist Child psychologist De addiction psychotherapist