Albert Einstein famously stated that, “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler…” He may as well have had addiction in mind when he made this comment, because addiction is simply complex.
There are many intertwined factors influencing addiction, and multiple theories about what is really going on. Promoted by Canadian physician Gabor Maté, traumatic experiences, particularly in childhood, are suggested to be an underlying cause of addiction.
Addiction has far-reaching consequences, and friends, partners and families are often victims of behaviours of addiction further complicating the issue. Worse still, shame, and guilt prevent help-seeking, often leaving those addiction without adequate supports, perpetuating the problem. These complexities are housed within a culture that typically stigmatises addiction as a moral failing, yet simultaneously celebrates and glorifies alcohol use, creating an isolating environment for those in addiction.
It seems bleak… But there are currently some amazing efforts in this space, and dedicated teams are working to better understand addiction and provide support to those who need it most.
12-step programs are currently the gold standard treatment for addiction and have shown to be effective in helping people work through recovery (Kelly et al., 2020). There is now a greater understanding that those in addiction need social supports, and that addiction is not something that can be confronted alone (White, 2009). This is well captured in Johan Hari’s famous Ted Talk, where he expressed that, “The opposite of addiction is connection”. Today, we see resources, services, and programs dedicated to providing a compassionate and understanding approach to addiction. And there is hope for the future as we as a collective learn to better tackle the problem of addiction.
Below are a range of services offered today to those struggling with addiction:
- The National Alcohol and other drug hotline for confidential support: https://www.health.gov.au/contacts/national-alcohol-and-other-drug-hotline
- Salvation Army Alcohol and other drug services for a range of programs (Australia wide): https://www.health.gov.au/contacts/national-alcohol-and-other-drug-hotline
- Alcoholics Anonymous which provides frequent meetings (Australia wide): https://aa.org.au/
- Ready 2 change is a free counselling service for those suffering from addiction (Victoria): https://www.directline.org.au/ready-2-change
- Australia’s leading national addiction treatment, training and research centre: https://www.turningpoint.org.au/about-us
- Harm minimisation programs – Medically Supervised Injecting Room (Victoria): https://nrch.com.au/services/medically-supervised-injecting-room/
If you were interested in speaking with one of NVP’s addiction counsellors please contact our team on 1300 830 687 or nvpadmin@newviewpsychology.com.au