Addiction
Do you treat all addictions?
Simply, yes we do. As a specialist addictions agency, our counsellors are qualified and experienced in working with clients who have a range of addictions. Whether you are personally affected by drugs, alcohol, gambling, an eating disorder, sex or something else we can support you. The most important factor is that you are willing to work towards abstaining from your addiction.
I think I might be addicted to more than one thing. Can you help me?
Many clients find that their addiction spans perhaps one, two or a number of substances or behaviours. At Seventy4 we have the skills to be able to help you through this, by investigating with you why such tendencies exist and to find practical means to understanding them, so that you can take action to move forward with your life.
What is addiction treatment?
Addiction treatment is used to help addicted individuals stop obsessive and compulsive alcohol/drug seeking and using. Treatment can occur in different forms (e.g., group therapy, individual counselling, etc), different programmes, and for different lengths of time. The specific form of treatment, combination of treatments, or type of programme will vary depending on your individual needs. The severity of the condition and previous efforts to stop coupled with other mental health factors are important for us to decide which programme and form of treatment best suits you.
How effective is addiction therapy?
Let's be honest, as with many things there are no magic answers. Whilst Seventy4 has lots of experience in helping individuals to overcome addiction and whilst our programmes are effective and can help you to move on with your life, the most important factor is you. As the saying goes "you get out what you put in." If you are willing to engage with either individual counselling or one of our programmes and take what you learn and put it into practice, you will be able to achieve and maintain abstinence.
If you have never had any previous treatment and would like more information on how we can help you, please do call us on 020 7233 0400.
If my problem is with drugs why will I have to abstain from Alcohol?
It is our experience, supported by strong evidence, that once an individual becomes dependent on any mind-altering chemical, they will become dependent on any other mind-altering substitute. This phenomenon is called cross addiction and is a common occurrence resulting in much unnecessary suffering and eventually, in most cases, to a relapse into the initial substance of choice. There will be an opportunity to learn more about this as part of your treatment.
I'm only young. Surely this kind of treatment is for people who have been using or drinking for 10, 20, or 30 years?
This is a common misunderstanding. Addiction does not discriminate in terms of age, class, nationality, race or gender. The real question is not how old you are but how dependent you are in order to cope with life and how much this is affecting your functioning (physical, psychological and social) and getting in the way of you fulfilling your responsibilities and achieving your goals.
Group Therapy
What happens in a group therapy session?
The group is a safe environment where people suffering from the same condition can come together and, with the help and guidance of a counsellor, can get support and understanding. This is especially important in early recovery, as you might be feeling isolated and misunderstood by your loved ones and society in general. In the group, through the experience of others, you can acquire a greater understanding of your condition and learn better ways of coping with it.
Will I have to contribute in the group?
It is understandable and a common occurrence that most people feel reluctant to open up and share their own experience in front of a group of strangers. So, in the beginning no one will expect you to be contributing openly right away. However, with time, and at your own pace, you will feel more comfortable with the group itself and it won't feel so difficult, especially as you will see others contributing and taking benefit from it. In other words, it is an expectation of treatment that you contribute in the group, if you are to benefit fully from the programme but we will give you time to adjust to the group and the setting.
Will I have to complete any home study?
The answer depends on which programme you will be attending. Nonetheless most of our programmes will require some form of home study. This is mostly because it will facilitate learning and help you think about your treatment outside of sessions. The types of home study can vary from asking you to reflect and write on your past experience whilst using, drinking or participating in addictive behaviour, to identifying your triggers to relapse and then practicing new ways of coping.
12-Step
What are the 12-Step fellowships and why am I encouraged to attend them?
12-Step fellowships are based around a set of guiding principles outlining a course of action for recovery from addiction, compulsion, or other behavioural problems. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) was the first such fellowship which was founded in 1935.
Fellowship groups such as these provide a network of support for individuals and are made up of people who have been through similar experiences and who can offer peer support. With meetings taking place every day this is a way in which individuals, whatever the stage of treatment they are at, can access help which will complement their counselling programme or formal treatment plan.
At Seventy4, clients are encouraged to attend 12-Step fellowship meetings so they can benefit from this peer-to-peer support, enabling them to build long-term strategies to remain abstinent during and after their treatment with us. On our Day Programme, clients are asked to attend three fellowship meetings a week. As part of the Evening Programme clients are encouraged to attend fellowship meetings.
I've had a look at attending 12-Step fellowship meetings but they talk about God. As an atheist, how will this help me?
It is true that the wording of the 12 Steps themselves do contain the word 'God' however there is no rule or thinking that to attend these meetings you have to believe in God or go to church.
Many clients at Seventy4, who attend fellowship meetings, interpret the word 'God' or 'higher power' in whichever way feels right for them. The main reason for the use of such a term is to provide a focus for the individual to look outwardly for help. Therefore the word 'God' for you could mean the 12-Step meeting itself, the universe, your family etc.