Addictions have many different facets and which may have been present for a number of years as a 'coping strategy'. Typically addictions are a short term solution which left unchecked can spiral into longer-term destructiveness. This can then turn into a self-defeating behaviour which can impact upon not only on a persons physical and mental health but on their relationships, family, work and friends.

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Contrary to popular belief addictions are not just physical but can psychological and which can become a 'learned' behaviour pattern which may be made up of the following:

• Progression - the behaviour becomes more intense over time. This may be due to initial excitement or to reduce stress

• Preoccupation with activity - Intrusive thoughts run through the person's mind and which can only be reduced by engaging in the addiction

• Perceived loss of control - the person feels that they cannot break the pattern and the behaviour increases 

• Persistence - Repetition of behaviour. They get 'locked' into a cycle' and cannot break it. This can lead to agitation, anger, depression and anxiety.

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Addictive behaviour could involve any of the following self-defeating behaviour 

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• Gambling

• Self-harm 

• Sex 

• Masturbation 

• Internet pornography 

• Over-spending 

• Drugs

• Drinking 

• Procrastination 

• Infidelity 

The list is not exhaustive and a person may develop other addictions/self-defeating behaviour in order to address a current addiction. By way of an example someone with internet pornography addiction may put blockers on their computer or phone. This may assist in the short term this often results in intensifying the addiction to the point of relapse and/or substituting self-defeating behaviour to cope with the intrusive thoughts. 

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Counselling and psychotherapy addresses the underlying cause. This is important for the client to gain an awareness and for them to take back control which is acceptable and healthy for them. 

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