Addiction: An Introduction

by Joachim Lee, Principal Psychotherapist, EMCC

My first exposure to the field of addiction was in 1997. Since then, I’ve been involved and growing stronger in this area. The learnings and relationships since 1997 have moulded my thinking as a psychotherapist and a counsellor. I’ve been on quite a journey, which I will share more about during my webinar next week.

The first step is always the hardest – recognising that you have an addiction and need help to take back control of your life.

Addiction falls into two categories: substance addiction and behavioural addiction.

Addiction is usually a response to stress. Individuals who are undergoing stressful situations turn to the use of a substance or a behaviour to help them cope with the stress.

This stress may have been triggered by an unresolved trauma that is still causing pain to the individual. The individual then reaches out to a substance or a behaviour that helps to dull the pain. The substance or behaviour acts as an opiate, a painkiller, at least temporarily.

The trauma will continue to trigger stress or cause pain to the individual until it is understood and soothed. Otherwise, it could lead to an addiction.

So, what does an addiction look like? How do you know if you have, or a family member has, an addiction?

What are some of the ways we can learn to self-soothe, so that we won’t reach out for an addictive substance or a harmful behaviour that could lead to an addiction?

There are signs we can learn to look out for, that could warn us that we are, or our loved one is, heading into an addiction.  I will share these in my talk next week.

I will also share some practical tips on how to manage stress, to prevent an addiction from taking root, and how to start a journey on breaking an addiction.

I look forward to seeing you then.

Dealing with Addictions by Joachim Lee, Principal Psychotherapist, EMCC | FWF210707 | $50
Wed, Jul 7, 8-10pm
For: Individuals and families seeking to understand and cope with addiction
What is addiction, eg, addiction to substances like drugs and alcohol, and behavioural addictions, eg, gambling, gaming, and pornography? What impact do addictions have on a person? What is an addict’s perception of the ‘’benefit’ of having an addictive lifestyle? Various ways of effectively coping or dealing with addictions will be briefly described. This workshop is highly recommended for struggling families, individuals suspecting they may be experiencing a form of addiction, and friends and leaders who may want to help.

Click below to sign up

Registration has been extended by popular demand to Sat, Jul 3, 2021

For enquiries, please email Jonathan at jonathangan@emcc.org.sg