Addiction Counselling Canberra
Addiction is not a weakness. It’s a solution to pain.
Our Secret Struggle.
You’re not a failure. You are trying to protect yourself from pain.
Here is the truth: You aren't broken. You are just exhausted. The part of you reaching for the drink, the bet, or the screen isn't trying to ruin your life; it is desperately trying to force you to rest.
Your addiction is a survival mechanism, not a character flaw. You don't need more willpower to fight a war against yourself; you just need to find a way to exhale that doesn't cost you your future.
In our modern burnout society, we treat ourselves like machines. When the machine overheats, we don't, and we use substances or behaviours to force a shutdown. Your addiction isn't a moral failure; it is a maladaptive solution to a life that feels unsustainable.
THE HABIT
(Porn, Alcohol, Gambling)
THE TRIGGERS
Stress, Loneliness, Boredom
THE SCHEMAS
"I am defective"
"I am unlovable"
THE CORE WOUND
The Addiction Iceberg: Why “Just Stopping" Fails.
If you only cut off the tip (Stop Drinking), the ice pushes up again as another habit (Gambling).
We must melt the tip and get to the base.
Loss of Control
- Setting limits but failing to stick to them
- Feeling like behaviors "call the shots"
- Using more than originally intended
- Consistent failed attempts to stop
Emotional Volatility
- Irritability or anxiety when not using
- Using specifically to cope with stress
- Persistent feelings of guilt or shame
- Defensive when others ask about usage
Social Withdrawal
- Pulling away from friends and family
- Abandoning hobbies you once enjoyed
- Isolating to hide the extent of usage
- Increasing secrecy in daily life
Neglecting Responsibilities
- Falling behind at work, school, or home
- Using despite negative health consequences
- Emerging financial difficulties
- Noticeable decline in physical health
Signs You May Need Support
Common Types of Addictions.
Substance Use
Alcohol, illicit drugs, and prescription medications cause harm to our physical and mental health.
Gambling
Betting on sports, pokies, or other forms of gambling can lead to financial hardship.
Internet & Gaming
Difficulty controlling screen time, playing online games, or constant social media scrolling.
Pornography
Excessive use of explicit material causing relationship problems and interpersonal issues.
Social Media
The constant need to check notifications or scroll through feeds can interfere with daily life.
Food
Struggling with overeating or using food as a primary way to cope with stress.
Shopping
Compulsive spending leading to financial problems and feelings of regret or guilt.
Work
Becoming overly focused on work to the detriment of relationships and personal health.
Steroid Use
Misuse to enhance appearance or performance, leading to health risks and dependency.
Smoking & Vaping
Nicotine addiction through cigarettes or vaping affecting overall health.
Binge-watching
Spending hours consuming content online impacting sleep and productivity.
Crypto Trading
Obsessive trading due to the addictive highs and lows of the market.
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For many, the essential first step toward recovery involves a professional medical detox. Especially critical for those struggling with heavy substance use, the detoxification process safely removes toxins from your system under supervision. This stage prioritizes your physical safety and stability, effectively preparing your mind and body for the subsequent therapeutic stages of addiction recovery.
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True addiction management involves more than just willpower; it requires understanding the 'why' behind the habit. Our sessions offer a confidential space to identify your specific addiction triggers and develop robust coping mechanisms. We utilize modern, evidence-based therapies like CBT and mindfulness-based relapse prevention to help you break destructive cycles and restore balance to your personal and professional life
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For those navigating alcohol or opioid use, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) can be a powerful tool for success. These treatments work by balancing brain chemistry and significantly reducing cravings. When combined with traditional counselling, MAT helps level the playing field, allowing you to focus on your recovery goals without being overwhelmed by intense physical withdrawal symptoms.
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We believe in treating the person, not just the addiction. By incorporating holistic wellness practices, including movement, breathwork, and nutritional awareness, we help you build a lifestyle that supports mental health and resilience. This comprehensive approach ensures that you aren't just quitting a substance, but are actively building a life that you don't feel the need to escape from.
How Can Addiction be Treated?
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Yes. Confidentiality is the cornerstone of professional addiction therapy. Your privacy is paramount, providing a safe and non-judgmental space where you can explore the root causes of addiction without fear of personal or professional repercussions.
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Addiction isn't just a "bad habit"; it's often a visible symptom of hidden triggers and core emotional wounds. As illustrated in our Iceberg Model, willpower only addresses the "tip." To achieve sustainable recovery, you must address the underlying schema; the deep-seated beliefs like "I am not enough" that drive the urge to escape through substances or behaviours.
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Relapse usually happens because the need for soothing hasn't been met. If you just stop the behaviour without addressing the stress or loneliness driving it, the pressure builds until you snap. We focus on resolving that pressure.
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If you find yourself lying about your behaviour, feeling guilty afterwards, or trying to stop but failing repeatedly, it is likely a compulsion. It's not about how much you do it, but how much control it has over you.