Addictive Behaviours.

I work using compassionate-focused therapy when working with any addictive or compulsive behavior. 

 

 focusing less on the addiction and more on the reason why which is almost always to hide pain or trauma.

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“Not why the addiction but why the pain.”
― Gabor Maté

 

Some motivating factors for addictive behaviors include the perception of temporary decreased depression and anxiety, making it a seemingly logical way to achieve calm or happiness.

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For example, gambling addiction lights up similar parts of the brain as some drugs, providing a dopamine rush to the user or player.

creating a perception of happiness, which is generally short-lived.