When substance use or a repeated behaviour begins to make decisions for you
Psychological assessment, motivational work and personalised treatment to understand the function of addiction, reduce harm, regain control and coordinate medical care when needed.
The problem is not defined only by how much, but by loss of control and its consequences
Assessment considers frequency, context, attempts to reduce or stop, interference, physical risk, dependence, distress and impairment in important areas of life.
Difficulty cutting down or stopping
Limits are set but not maintained, more time or quantity is used than intended, or the pattern quickly returns.
The urge takes up more and more space
Repetitive thoughts, urgency, planning or difficulty concentrating on anything else appear.
Quantity, time or risk increases
More is needed to obtain the same effect, or the behaviour becomes more frequent, intense or risky.
Important areas deteriorate
Problems develop in health, finances, work, studies, relationships, family, responsibilities or safety.
Lying, secrecy or isolation
Quantity, spending or time is minimised or hidden, and people who might ask questions are avoided.
Distress when stopping and return to the pattern
Anxiety, irritability, tremor, insomnia, low mood or other symptoms may appear; some withdrawal syndromes require medical care.
Each problem requires a specific assessment
Not all substances, behaviours or levels of severity require the same service. The initial assessment determines whether outpatient psychotherapy is appropriate or whether medical care, a specialist addiction service or a more intensive level of care is needed.
Request an assessment →Alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, stimulants and other substances
Problems involving sedatives, opioids or medication used outside medical guidance are also assessed.
Gambling, betting and gaming
Assessment considers loss of control, interference, financial, social or occupational harm and difficulty stopping the behaviour.
Digital use or sexual behaviour involving loss of control
Not every frequent behaviour is an addiction. Distress, function, interference and the diagnosis that best explains the problem are assessed.
Is this what concerns you?
Explore by category. These signs are informational, not a diagnosis or a test: what defines the problem is loss of control and its consequences, not frequency alone.
Substance use-related signs
- Needing increasing amounts to feel the same effect, or symptoms when cutting down or stopping.
- Failed attempts to cut down or stop, despite wanting to.
- Using at times or in amounts that previously did not feel acceptable to you.
- Consequences to health, work, studies or relationships that do not stop the use.
If you notice physical symptoms when cutting down or stopping (shaking, sweating, intense anxiety), also mention this to a doctor: in some cases withdrawal needs medical supervision.
Gambling and betting-related signs
- Needing to bet increasing amounts to feel the same excitement.
- Trying to win back losses by betting more (chasing losses).
- Lying about how much time or money is spent gambling.
- Borrowing money or putting relationships or obligations at risk because of gambling.
The financial aspect often creates a lot of shame and secrecy. Talking about it early with someone you trust or a professional helps limit the impact.
Other behaviours: screens, gaming or sexual behaviour
- Spending so much time on the behaviour that it clearly interferes with rest, work or studies.
- Using it to escape difficult emotions, more than to enjoy it.
- Feeling irritable or intensely uncomfortable when you cannot do it.
- Progressive withdrawal from relationships or activities that used to matter.
Not every frequent behaviour is a problem. What matters is whether there is loss of control and whether it causes real distress or interference in your life.
If you are concerned about someone close to you
- Changes in behaviour, mood or routines that you cannot easily explain.
- Secrecy, repeated lies or financial problems that do not add up.
- Feeling alone in managing the situation, with your own emotional toll.
You can also seek guidance for yourself, even if the other person is not yet ready to attend. Supporting someone well starts with taking care of yourself too.
Immediate relief can maintain a problem that worsens in the long term
Substance use or behaviour may serve a function: calming, disconnecting, obtaining reward, avoiding distress or managing a situation. Understanding that function makes it possible to build real alternatives.
Stress, emotion, environment, memory, conflict, boredom or availability.
Attention narrows and expectations of relief or reward appear.
An immediate effect is obtained, reinforcing repetition.
Guilt, conflict, harm or withdrawal feeds the cycle again.
A psychological, medical and social approach when the case requires it
Treatment is adapted to the substance or behaviour, severity, physical dependence, motivation, previous relapses, mental health, environment and support network.
Understand the problem and agree goals
The pattern, function, consequences, risks and readiness to reduce, stop or accept another service are explored.
Medical referral or coordination when needed
Physical dependence, withdrawal, intoxication or certain substances may require outpatient or inpatient medical treatment.
Urges, triggers and new responses
Emotional regulation, problem solving, skills, high-risk cues and rewarding alternatives are addressed.
Plan for risks and rebuild a sustainable life
A relapse does not erase what has been learned. It is analysed, the plan is adjusted and support, routines, health, relationships and goals are strengthened.
Helping does not mean monitoring, humiliating or covering up
Family can be an important resource, but it also needs guidance on communicating concern, setting boundaries, protecting itself, not financing the problem and knowing when to seek urgent help.
Intoxication, overdose or severe withdrawal require urgent care
Call 112 for loss of consciousness, slow or difficult breathing, seizures, severe confusion, extreme agitation, chest pain, dangerous behaviour or suspected overdose. Do not suddenly stop alcohol, benzodiazepines or other substances when physical dependence may be present without medical assessment.