Nick Kemp - Treating Addictions and Addictive Behaviour
 When people think of the term "addiction" they often think about this only in
terms of drug addictions. There are however a whole range of different types
of behavioural addictions, ranging from addictive patterns of thinking, to
substance dependences which can range from alcohol addictions and other
drug based addictions such as cannabis and cocaine. In all instances there
are usually two elements contained in the behavior, the physical addiction
and the habitual addiction associated with the behavior.
The habitual addiction manifests in the way in which the individual thinks,
feels and responds in exactly the same manner, usually in an entirely predictable
pattern. In 2007 I gave a talk to the staff members of the Leeds Community Drug Treatment
Services and asked the 26 counselors present how many of their clients would respond in
exactly the same way during each weekly session, sitting the same way, asking the same
questions with the exact same use of language and same tonality. Many clients were convinced
that they have few if any choices in life and of course for many of them their world
revolved totally around their drug of choice.
Interestingly many of the practitioners felt quite drained from such interactions and
were very receptive to many of the approaches I outlined in my own Leeds Therapeutic Practice.
"As head of a busy community drug service, the most significant element I
witnessed in his training for my team that has proved to be important in our work with
addicted clients has been without a doubt the powerful insight he provided that profound
change is not only possible and desirable - but that it is not a time bound process. We
are used to assuming that our work will be slow and painstaking - Nick reminded us of the
human potential for swift and dramatic change."
Sian James
Head of Community Drug Treatment Services
When I work with clients who have any form of addiction, I remind myself that the
duration of time that they have been responding this way is not the key issue. This
really tells me that they have been usually doing the exact same thing and experiencing
the EXACT same patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving. It’s as if their whole world
is now experienced through a very small and unhelpful filter. Alcohol addictions and binge
drinking are very common, but also very treatable with the NLP, Hypnosis, Provocative
Change Works and Provocative Therapy approaches.
Dear Nick, My son is doing so well after having had two
sessions with you . The change in him is remarkable. I contacted you in desperation
November 2006, He had just been released from Young Offenders Institute for a crime
he committed whilst intoxicated, a crime he couldn't even remember, after his release
he was so sad because he knew and I did that it would only be a matter of days before
he would take a drink. ONE drink for he is not really possible, after one he can't
stop till he is unconscious. He came to you the first time on the 15th December and
to date has been sober!!! But more than that, hes actually taking pride in himself
again , he's exercising and actually planning the future. I honestly think its saved
his life over the festive (Drinking) season! I heard him on the phone this morning
telling one of his drinking friends "... I'm keeping fit now! ..."
Thanks so much."
Kay
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