Tackling Causes of Addiction: Effective GP Strategies
Woman speaking with counselor during alcohol recovery

How Doctors Can Effectively Tackle the Causes of Addiction

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Understanding the causes of addiction is crucial in the journey to recovery, and it’s a topic that has sparked many debates on how GPs should approach treating addicts. Addressing the root causes significantly contributes to achieving quality recovery.

A recent article in the Daily Mail on addiction emphasised that doctors need to address both the causes of addiction and its consequences to effectively tackle the crisis in the UK.

At Rehab Guide, we recognise that treating the causes of addiction is a vital part of the recovery process. There are often underlying reasons why individuals turn to alcohol or drugs, and without self-awareness and addressing sources of anxieties, stress, and emotional upset, a lapse or relapse is likely to occur.

While it is commendable that many doctors treat the consequences of addiction, such as withdrawals, chemical dependency, and depression, aftercare—including therapies like person-centred, group, CBT, or 12-Step—is essential if addiction is to be combatted effectively. Without long-term therapeutic treatment, most addicts will revert to type. In this industry, it’s all about change—a common word often mentioned, but without it, the causes of addiction remain.

And, where better to start the change towards recovery than at the GP’s surgery?

Author 'John

John

Trained in addictionology in the Johnson Model, and specialising in substance abuse for individual and couple counselling. John's personal experience has given him a wealth of insights, which he integrates into practice. His extensive training has allowed him to gain expertise in individual and group counselling, concurrent disorders, case management, executing treatment plans and relapse prevention. He started this free helpline as a result of a life change and to help others get sober and live a life free from drugs and alcohol. John covers a variety of topics relating to addiction and recovery in his articles.

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