Addiction, habits & OCD
Understanding how patterns can form
Addictions, habits and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) are deeply ingrained behavioural loops. They form when someone uses substances, repetitive physical habits or compulsive rituals to manage an overloaded nervous system. While addictions involve a chemical or behavioural compulsion for short-term pleasure or relief, OCD involves rigid, repetitive behaviours performed to temporarily ease intense, intrusive thoughts. Both represent a misdirection of our natural survival instincts to soothe internal distress.
In the UK, OCD affects approximately 1 to 2% of the population, equating to hundreds of thousands of individuals. Meanwhile, substance abuse and behavioural addictions—such as to alcohol, prescription drugs, gambling, internet streaming, or shopping—impact more than 1 in 3 people at some point in their lives, making it one of the most widespread public health challenges.
How intrusive patterns can impact on your life
People with OCD can experience terrifying or distressing intrusive thoughts (obsessions), followed by an overwhelming urge to perform repetitive actions (compulsions) like checking locks, washing hands or repeating phrases to prevent perceived harm. Those struggling with addictions experience intense cravings, a total loss of control over consumption, secretiveness and a pattern of escalating usage to achieve the same emotional numbing effect. Over time, these patterns can have a detrimental impact on someone’s physical and emotional wellbeing.
Our approach to lifting unhealthy patterns
We do not see these patterns as incurable diseases, but as misguided ways in which we can consciously and subconsciously seek to meet our needs — such as the need for safety, control, status or emotional connection — or respond to stress and pressure. When a person’s needs are not being met in balance, or when they are overwhelmed by underlying stress, the brain can turn to a substance or a rigid routine as an artificial substitute or an emotional anaesthetic. Our brain design can also have an impact of how we experience emotions and may lead to a greater propensity to experience addiction or unhealthy patterns of living.
Our approach includes a combination of psychoeducation – to understand how the brain and body is working – with a bespoke range of strategies that altogether can help people to find their way through to a different way of life and managing life’s pressures. We use deep relaxation which may include guided imagery to help someone lower their emotional arousal. We work with you to map out which of your fundamental emotional needs are currently missing or unfulfilled, identify your goals, perhaps skills you wish to build, evidence-based stratagies from across psychology in relation to addiction and compulsive behaviours.
We may also identify and address any historical experiences which may have been distressing and reach a threshold of trauma. Overall, it aims to give you practical, step-by-step strategies so that you or your loved one can meet your needs healthily in your daily life.