Addiction 

What is it?

Addiction is a compulsive relationship with a substance or behaviour- continuing to use it despite harm. It’s not just about the chemical hook; people can be addicted to alcohol, drugs, gambling, food, shopping, or scrolling when these provide escape or relief.

In the 1970s, psychologist Bruce Alexander’s ‘Rat Park’ experiment showed that rats isolated in empty cages used drug-laced water compulsively, often to death. But in a stimulating, social environment, their use dropped dramatically, even for those already addicted. The takeaway? Addiction is less about the substance and more about what’s missing.
 

Humans aren’t rats, but like them, we are affected by our environment, relationships, and life experiences. When people don’t feel safe, supported, or seen, especially from a young age, it makes sense that something else steps in to help cope. That might be alcohol, drugs, food, gambling, shopping, or scrolling.
 

People can turn to substances or compulsive behaviours due to:

• Long-term stress or burnout

• Chronic physical or emotional pain

• Social isolation or loneliness

• Homelessness or housing insecurity

• Unprocessed trauma

• Lack of support or understanding

• Systems that punish instead of support

• Addiction is often the body’s attempt to self-regulate when nothing that is available works.
   

Need Urgent Help Right Now?

If things feel urgent and it's out of hours, support is available 24/7:

• Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7) NHS

• Urgent Mental Health Helpline: Call 111 and press option 2

• Open Mental Health Somerset (24/7): 01823 276 892 ​
   

Want to Talk?

You don’t have to wait until crisis point to get help.If you’re stuck in a pattern that feels out of control whether it’s alcohol, drugs, gambling, food, or something else, we're here to support you without judgement. Therapy isn’t about forcing change. It’s about understanding the roots of your behaviour, finding new tools that actually work for you, and building a safer, more sustainable future.
 

Therapy with us:

• £70 for individual therapy (trauma informed) 

• £80 trauma specialist therapy online and in-person