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Tower Hamlets is a vibrant borough in London, England, which is home to diverse cultures and people. Unfortunately, an alarmingly high rate of addictions is present as many residents of Tower Hamlets are struggling with addictions. According to the Tower Hamlets Substance Misuse Needs Assessment, 18 out of 1000 people between ages 18 and 64 in Tower Hamlets are opiate and/or crack users. This rate is seen to be higher compared to London and National averages. Opiate and crack users in Tower Hamlets were noted to have a population size of 3,561, and these numbers are on the increase. Public Health England (PHE) in a 2016 to 2017 report noted that 3,244 out of 224,996 residents of Tower Hamlets suffered from opioids and/or crack addictions.
Finding reliable addiction counselling near Tower Hamlets is crucial to further lower these numbers and enable the residents to live a healthier and addiction-free life. This is why CATCH Recovery London’s trusted team of therapists can be your ally in your personal battle against addiction and other harmful compulsive behaviours.
Spotting the Signs of an Addiction
It is important to know if you have an addiction so you can seek help early enough. The signs of addiction include:
- Compulsively taking a substance (such as drugs or alcohol) or carrying out an activity (such as gambling).
- Feeling uneasy and unable to function optimally when you have not taken a substance or carried out an activity.
- Being unable to regulate or completely stop your intake of a substance despite the negative effect it poses on your life.
- Resorting to hiding a particular habit or substance from your loved ones.
- Constantly taking substances or carrying out an activity to attain a feeling of relaxation and ecstasy.
Types of Addiction Counselling
There are various types of addiction counselling and they include:
Private Addiction Counselling
Private addiction counselling involves personal sessions with a therapist. There are private one-on-one sessions where the therapist gives you undivided attention in a safe and confidential space. This type of service is great if you are uncomfortable going through therapy with others, and need enough room to express your deepest emotions. The therapist probes deeper with more thorough examinations to gain a better understanding of your addictions and what could have led to them. CATCH Recovery’s custom outpatient programme may be an excellent option for you if you are looking for a similar service.
Online Addiction Counselling
Online addiction counselling by CATCH Recovery is a convenient type of counselling you undergo from the comfort of your home. With online services, you have no need to come to the centre, and you are able to speak with your counsellor via online channels. This service is not only convenient, it is also affordable and easily accessible. It is a good choice for you if you are someone who prefers being in familiar environments, if you have social anxiety or if for work-related or other reasons are unable to come to the centre. Our online therapy specialists are certified and licensed, and can meet you as soon as tomorrow.
NHS Addiction Counselling
NHS offers free addiction services to residents of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets who are unable to afford addiction treatment in private centres. The advantage of this type of addiction help service is that it is free. However, the downsides to using the NHS is the long wait times. On the average, it takes around two to three months to access an addiction therapist which may be detrimental if you are in urgent need for support.
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Another downside to the NHS addiction counselling service is the changes made to counsellors. It means that in the course of your treatment, you may see up to 3 different counsellors. This may slow down the progress of recovery as you would need to connect with different therapists at different stages of your treatment.
The Role of a Therapist in Addiction Counselling
The addiction therapist is vital in the treatment of addictions. Your therapist is tasked with the responsibility to guide you through recovery and support you at every step of the way. They are there to cater for your mental health needs during and after therapy to ensure you stay sober. A skilled therapist will work with you to determine the best type of treatment plan that will be effective in helping you overcome your addiction. Also, your therapist should explain every step of the treatment process to you, encourage and guide you through it with the sole purpose of helping you attain long-term sobriety.
At CATCH Recovery, we have a team of experienced therapists who are dedicated to helping you through your recovery. With a safe and private environment that is free of judgement, we encourage you to express your emotions, struggles and challenges which is a crucial part of therapy.
Evidence-Based Therapies
Evidence-based therapies are therapy techniques or modalities that have been proven by research to be effective in the treatment of addictions. Here are a few evidence-based therapies in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): This is a therapy technique where addiction triggers are identified and tackled. These addiction triggers could come in the form of destructive thought patterns, intense emotions and habits that can make you vulnerable to addictions. Skills and new healthier habits are learned in this therapy to counter the effect of the unhealthy addiction-triggering habits such as unhealthy food cravings.
- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT): This therapy technique involves exercises and habits that are aimed at helping you attain a self-conscious state so you could make intentional and conscious decisions. Here, you learn to communicate and express your feelings rather than take actions because of them. Addictions are provoked by emotions and feelings, and this therapy is targeted at helping you remain in control in the presence of emotional triggers. Dialectical behaviour therapy can also treat mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression that may co-exist with addictions or appear as a result of addictions.
- Group Therapy: This is a form of therapy where a group of people going through the same or similar addictions undergo therapy sessions together. In this form of therapy, you are given a chance to communicate with others who understand what you are going through, and can also motivate you in your recovery journey.
- Family Therapy: This is a form of therapy where you and your family or loved ones attend counselling sessions together. In this therapy method, there is room to mend broken or damaged relationships between you and your family as a result of your addiction. Also, you get to hear how your addictions affect them and how they feel about your decision to get better. This form of therapy is very therapeutic and helps your family gain closure in what you are going through.
- Couples Therapy: This is a form of therapy where you attend counselling sessions with your romantic partner. Here, enough room is made for communication between yourselves to help both of you process your feelings regarding your addiction and to also bridge gaps that may have formed in your relationship as a result of your addiction. It is a healing process for both you and your partner.
- Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: This therapy technique is aimed at helping you take control of surrounding stimulus that may trigger addictions. Here, your sight, hearing and physical touch sensations are stimulated simultaneously to improve your ability to regulate your emotions, and also reduce the intensity of previous traumatic or painful memories.
How Effective is Addiction Counselling?
Addiction counselling is a very effective means to overcome addiction, and over the years have helped many attain their goal of long-term sobriety. However, the effectiveness of addiction therapy is dependent on different factors:
- Firstly, your therapist, as we addressed earlier, plays a crucial role in your journey to recovery. In the hands of an experienced therapist who listens to you and works with you to determine your treatment plan, you are sure to make a good recovery. A good therapist is one who is patient, caring, understanding and non-judgemental.
- Secondly, the type of therapy technique you undergo can determine the effectiveness of therapy. If you undergo a personalised therapy plan that is well suited for you, you are sure to have a good recovery, however, if the therapy plan you undergo is not well suited for you, therapy may be prolonged and difficult. The type of therapy you undergo is determined by your mental health needs and is assessed by your therapist.
- Thirdly, your attitude and dedication to your therapy plan is a key factor that determines how effective addiction counselling is going to be for you. Being consistent and dedicated to your treatment plan will yield better results. Recovery may be difficult at first, but in the end is rewarding.
What to Expect from Addiction Counselling in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets
Reaching out to our addiction counsellors is a step in the right direction if you are a resident of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets suffering from addictions. Going through therapy for addiction is not easy and you will require all the support you can get. At CATCH Recovery, you can expect a dedicated team of counsellors who are available round the clock to attend to your mental health needs and support you through your path to recovery. Our counsellors strive to create a comfortable, serene and caring environment that is free from judgement of any kind, so you can be at liberty to fully express yourself and walk towards a healthier and addiction-free future.
Why Choose CATCH Recovery?
CATCH Recovery promises to hold your hand and walk you through the steps of recovery. We understand that overcoming addictions can be challenging and filled with difficulties, so we are here to help you through it. At CATCH Recovery, we are dedicated to providing you with the best care and support you need as you face and overcome your addiction. You do not have to go through this alone, let us help you. Reach out today.
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Support Groups in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets
There are several support groups in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets which are there to create a safe space for group of people suffering from addictions, or on the path to recovery to share their experiences with each other. Support groups in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets include:
- East London Intergroup Alcoholics Anonymous (AA):
They have their Alma Sunday meetings on Sundays at 41 Spellman St, Bangla Town, Tower Hamlets, E1 5LQ, by 11.30. Meetings usually last for a time duration of 1hr 30mins.
- Narcotics Anonymous (NA):
They hold their meetings on Thursdays at All Hallows Church, 1 Blackthorn Street, Bow, Tower Hamlets, Greater London, E3 3PX by 19:15. Meetings typically last for a time duration of 1hr 30 mins.
- Gamblers Anonymous (GA):
They hold their London – Tower Hill Monday meetings on Mondays at De Mozenod House, 62 Chamber Street, London, E1 8BL, by 18:45. Meeting typically last for a time duration of 1 hr 30 mins.
Sober Companion Services by CATCH Recovery
Sober companion services are services aimed at helping you stay on track and be accountable in your recovery journey. This service involves you having a sober companion who will guide you and assist you as you take steps towards recovery. Our professional sober companions are available round the clock to attend to all your needs and cheer you on with every milestone you attain on the path to sobriety.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find a suitable therapist?
Due to the increasingly high demand for addiction therapists, it may be tricky to find one yourself. That is where we come in. At CATCH Recovery, we have a team of experienced therapists who we can connect you with to best support you through your recovery process. Reach out to us and we can connect you with a therapist that is well suited for you and your mental health needs.
What is the most effective psychological treatment for addictions?
There is no one effective addiction treatment for everyone. The best addiction treatment that will effectively help you overcome addictions is that technique that is adjusted to suit your needs. Most times, a combination of different addiction therapy techniques may be used to for treatment. However, on the average, the most effective psychological treatment for addictions seen to produce good outcomes is the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), as it helps uncover and tackle hidden trauma and intense emotions which may have led to your addictions.
How long should I attend therapy?
The duration of therapy is not fixed, and is dependent on how well you are recovering from your addictions. Your treatment plan is carefully created in collaboration with your therapist based on the severity of your addiction, the duration required for the therapy technique to be carried out and your progress or response to therapy. With addictions, patience is necessary as sobriety cannot be achieved overnight.
How can I find information on local Tower Hamlets support groups specifically tailored to the needs of individuals with addiction to prescription medications?
To get more information on local support groups in the London Borough of Towe Hamlet, reach out to us and we will point you in the right direction.