What is drug addiction?
Drug addiction is a chronic condition where the urge to use substances (whether legal, illegal or prescribed) becomes overwhelming, even when it leads to harm. It can begin with casual use at social events or through prescribed medication. Over time, what starts innocently can develop into a powerful dependency.
Addiction affects a growing number of people, with many seeking help for opioid dependency in particular. Long-term drug use changes the brain, making it harder to control the urge to use and reducing your ability to enjoy daily life. As tolerance builds, you may find yourself needing larger doses, which can lead to severe physical, emotional and social difficulties.
While addiction presents many challenges, recovery is possible. Taking the first step to seek help is essential. With the right support, you can regain control and find a healthier path forward. Understanding the impact of addiction helps us offer better support to those on their journey to recovery.
9.5% of 16-59 year olds reported using drugs in the past year
20.3% of 16-24 year olds have taken an illicit drug
3.1% of adults show drug dependence signs, with men affected more than twice as much as women
Cocaine is now the strongest it has been for over a decade in the UK
What causes it?
There are many reasons why someone might start using drugs. For some, it’s about chasing a high, easing stress or fitting in with friends. Sometimes, difficult life experiences make drugs seem like an escape. Growing up around drugs or working in a high-pressure job can also increase the risk.
Teenagers are particularly vulnerable to peer pressure and are also at greater risk due to the fact their decision-making skills are still developing. While addiction can affect anyone, men tend to report higher rates of illegal drug use than women.
Understanding why someone turns to drugs is key to offering real support. Instead of judgement, it’s about seeing the bigger picture and helping someone move forward. By recognising the different paths to addiction, we can provide more compassionate and effective help.
What does a drug addiction look like?
Drug addiction can show up in different ways, affecting every part of your life. It’s important to recognise the signs, both in yourself and in others, as it is the first step towards seeking support and moving towards recovery.
Increasing Use
You may find yourself needing more of the substance to get the same effect, and cutting down may feel nearly impossible. Much of your time may be spent getting, using or recovering from the substance, leaving little room for anything else.
Changes in Behaviour
Addiction often leads to risky behaviour and a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. Despite knowing the harm, you may continue using the substance, prioritising it over your health.
Impacting Daily Life
Your work at your job or school might begin to suffer as you struggle to focus and keep up with your responsibilities. You may experience financial difficulties as funds are diverted to support your habit, leading to further stress and complications.
Strain on Relationships
Addiction doesn’t just affect you—it impacts those around you. Arguments with loved ones may become more frequent. You may become secretive or start to withdraw from social activities, eventually leading to feelings of isolation.
Emotional and Social Consequences
As addiction takes hold, it can feel like nothing else matters. This can lead to loneliness and despair, making recovery seem even more difficult.
How can it be overcome?
Overcoming drug addiction is a journey and it’s one you don’t have to face alone. There are many types of support available, from medical help to therapies and support groups, all designed to help you regain control of your life. Combining them can create a network of support tailored to your needs. Recovery is a step-by-step journey, and finding the right blend of treatments can guide you towards a substance-free future.
Talking Therapies and Hypnotherapy
Talking therapies, combined with hypnotherapy, offer powerful support. Talking therapies help you confront the daily struggles of addiction, while hypnotherapy works at a deeper level to change the subconscious patterns that drive cravings. Together, they help you understand the reasons behind your substance use and lay the groundwork for lasting change.
Medication
Medication can also help by easing withdrawal symptoms and reducing cravings, allowing you to focus on your recovery. While helpful, medication should be part of a broader recovery plan that includes emotional and psychological support.
Rehab Units
Rehab units offer a safe space where you can focus entirely on recovery. With medical supervision, therapy, and a structured environment, they provide everything you need to heal both physically and emotionally.
Support Groups
Support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous, provide a community of people who understand what you’re going through. Sharing your experiences with others who have faced the same challenges can provide encouragement and help keep you on track.
How can hypnotherapy help?
Hypnotherapy for drug addiction is like having a personal guide to help you explore the deeper reasons behind your addiction. By calming your mind and introducing positive suggestions, hypnotherapy can help break the cycle of addiction and encourage healthier behaviours.
Hypnotherapy helps you uncover the hidden triggers that are driving your substance use. In a deeply relaxed state, your mind becomes more open to change, helping you gain a clearer understanding of why your specific addiction has taken hold.
Over time, hypnotherapy for drug addiction helps reduce cravings by changing how you view addictive substances. These cravings don’t disappear overnight, but with each session they begin to lose their power.
Everyone’s journey is different. Some people notice significant changes after just a few sessions, while others need more time to work through their challenges. The goal is lasting change, not just a quick fix. Even after your sessions end, the strategies you’ve learned will help you stay on track. Hypnotherapy for drug addiction equips you with tools to maintain progress and continue moving forward.
Our Drug Addiction Specialists
Benn Baker-Pollard
Sittingbourne
Carmen Harrington
Market Harborough
Chris Johannes
Spalding
Claire Noyelle
Maidstone East
Dawn Ibbetson
Chelmsford
Gary Johannes
Peterborough
Jill Whitehouse
Newcastle upon Tyne
Keeley Smith
Southend-on-Sea
Kerry Seymour
Weston-super-Mare
Victoria Anderson
Sunderland
Why Choose Inspired To Change
Our solution focused hypnotherapists empower you to better understand your brain, helping to guide you towards solutions and achieve the outcomes you want. We have a team of fully trained hypnotherapists, giving you the choice of who to work with and how you want to work with them. Solution focused hypnotherapy is just as effective in-person or online in the comfort of your own home, so you can find the ideal therapist to help you reach your goals.
Every one of our hypnotherapists is recognised by governing bodies like the National Council for Hypnotherapy, the UK’s leading not-for-profit hypnotherapy professional association. They have all trained with Clifton Practice Hypnotherapy Training, one of the leading hypnotherapy schools in the UK.
