Helping you to decide

Surely, someone would know if they have a problem?

Not so. In fact, the majority of people (especially young adults) who meet the diagnostic criteria for alcohol, drug abuse, eating disorders or dependency issues are honestly unaware of it. They may readily admit for example that their use of alcohol or drugs, or maybe their gambling causes a few difficulties now and then, but they remain essentially blind to the nature and significance of the problem.

Having an issue with addiction is not unusual and you are not alone, at Western Counselling you will be guided through the tools necessary to address your problems, resulting in you having choices again in your life.

Remember that if you put the skills you have learnt living with addiction into your life clean, sober and in control, you can make whatever choices you want in your future life.  Maybe you are keen on music? Maybe you always dreamed of being a teacher? You fancy being self employed making your own decisions about your future?  Your life can be what you’ve always dreamed, providing you make that first step to help yourself.

So how do you know for sure? The first step is to take an honest look at your situation or the situation of the person you are concerned about. How do you think it compares to 'accepted behaviour'. Have you or they progressed to the point at which it needs to be addressed?

Take a look at some of the symptoms linked to this page and consider if they apply. And remember whist you would expect to have a significant number of symptons you do not need to have them all.