Talking Therapies: Understanding Addiction

Can you become addicted to exercising?

In short, the answer is yes, but exercising is just one example of something we can become addicted to. The reality is that addiction can come in many forms, from shopping to drug dependency and does not discriminate from one person to the next.

UKCP psychotherapist and self-help podcaster Richard Nicholls spoke to our CEO Sarah Niblock to give us a better insight into the reality of addiction.

He says: ‘Having an addiction tends to narrow down the number of other interests in somebody’s life. As any problem behaviour increases there’s less and less time for anything else, for anybody else, so friends and family might get ignored. Hobbies, that used to make you feel proud or satisfied, or whatever, get forgotten.’

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And in her article for Psychologies magazine, UKCPs Chief Executive Sarah Niblock says: ‘When the behaviour starts to be compulsive and in control of our lives, it is far from innocent…By gaining a full understanding of our addiction, behaviour and why we find ourselves in our current situation, we’re far more likely to make a successful and long-term recovery.’

'You can overcome your addiction' article