A common theme during addiction is feeling down, perhaps even clinically depressed or
anxious, or lonely with poor self-esteem and low confidence. Is this you?

Addiction can become a lonely pursuit of the drug of choice, whether that be alcohol or cocaine or a
mixture of various substances.

Addiction can become a lonely pursuit of the drug of choice, whether that be alcohol or cocaine or a
mixture of various substances.

The drug of choice sits at the centre of your life and becomes your main concern – are you
dprioritising alcohol or drugs over friends, family and work to various degrees?

Do you recognise these symptoms of addiction?
Are you putting relationships at risk?

Isolation
Nobody chooses addiction – it can become an ever-tightening chain, and people in the throes of
addiction often tell of losing best friends in your pursuit of the drug that began recreationally.

Isolation alone will not necessarily mean you or someone you know is struggling with addiction – but
may do if alongside some of the symptoms detailed below.

Isolation alone will not necessarily mean you or someone you know is struggling with addiction – but
may do if alongside some of the symptoms detailed below.

Selfishness
Have you or has someone you know recently changed?

Selfishness is a central part of addiction because the substance comes first – once we’ve used,we can
only rest for a period of time before the next ‘hit’ (line of cocaine, or glass of wine, or bet placed on a
horse race) helps us feel “better” again.

Do you recognise the feeling of wanting to change – being desperate to change – but unsure how?

Cravings and obsessions over access to your coping mechanism, can be ruinous.

Have you ever found yourself unconsciously influencing the choice of e.g. a social venue, towards
somewhere it will be easy for you to use, or have that next drink?

Carreer Problems
Many functioning addicts contribute hugely to the UK economy – addiction is in the workplace and
addicts work hard – the stereotype of the ‘lone drunk’ is not a common reality.

We recognise the signature of addiction – and can help you break free
Ring direct on (number) for complimentary treatment advice

However, addiction, can soon enough become a barrier to progression and living an authentic
professional life.

Think of the 1980s – business communities were fuelled by long boozy networking lunches – Fleet
Street in London was a pub-based profession.

Since then, the drinking culture of business people has changed dramatically, which is of course
great news, but this does mean that problem drinkers could be more hidden – is this you or
someone you work with? Do you manage a person who could be struggling with addiction?

Dental
Due to unhelpful stereotypes, many addicts do not view themselves as displaying any addictive
behaviours, and denial is very common.

Have you ever heard anyone say:
How can I be an alcoholic – I’m the youngest member of the Board?
I only drink a few glasses of wine once the kids are in bed – and every now and again
I might finish a bottle, but so what – I work hard!
It’s my birthday – OF COURSE I’m going to drink – but then, that’s it – tee-total!

High functioning alcoholics who ‘work and play hard’ may not see a problem in your behaviour, and
with the robust nature of denial, they may think all your colleagues are behaving the same way when
in fact, they are not. Are you reading this advice because you have ‘hit the bottom’ and feel committed to change? Do you feel
you are losing control?

Heling someone in denial
Denial exists to protect access to the coping mechanism that you’ve come to depend on – it’s
natural.

But what if there ARE other ways to cope – beyond your current situation?

If you had all the support you need, to deal with life’s issues, would a coping mechanism still be necessary?

We can help gauge any remaining denial in you or a loved one, and advise on the right treatment for you.