Nick Kemp - Drug and Alcohol Addictions

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 behavioral 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

"I feel like I'm a different person. I'm not controlled by it, it's not part of my life. I'm so happy!

Sine (having given up smoking cannabis and tobacco)

Missing the pint

Most of us like to let off steam with a few drinks - but for some it can get out of hand. Now many are seeking to cure their binge drinking habit through therapy. Grant Woodward reports on a very 21st century phenomenon

"There's a certain point where people realise that going out and having a good time is different to feeling that your whole life is spent going into one pattern that's like Groundhog Day"