THE SANCTUARY BYRON BAY

Addictions are most commonly associated with drugs but can also broadly refer to engagement in any compulsive behaviour resulting in possible harm. While addiction to drugs is the most common manifestation, addictions can also be associated with a range of activities including gambling, compulsive sex, videogames, or internet use.

The key feature of addictions is that engagement in a particular behaviour is compulsive and brings about a desired change in consciousness, yet proves problematic in the long term. Drugs, for example, have the most powerful effects, bringing about obvious physical, physiological or psychological changes in the body.

Generally drugs are classified in three major categories as follows:

• Depressants slow the functions of the central nervous system and affect concentration and coordination. Examples of depressants include legal substances such as alcohol or illicit ones such as cannabis, opiods (eg heroin, methadone) and GHB (gammahydroxy butarate).
• Stimulants speed up bodily functions and can induce euphoria, energy and alertness. Legal stimulants include caffeine, nicotine and ephedrine while illicit stimulants include amphetamines such as ‘ice’ or ‘speed’, cocaine and MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine or ‘ecstasy’).
• Hallucinogens distort perceptions of reality with unpredictable and sometimes dangerous consequences. Hallucinogens include cannabis, ketamine, LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), ‘magic mushrooms’ (psilocybin), mescaline (peyote) and PCP (phencyclidine).

While there are varying degrees of use of illicit drugs, problems arise when the harms associated with use begin to outweigh the rewards.  If regular drug use is likely to place you at odds with the law; or if continued use is beginning to affect your general health, your moods, the quality of your work and your relationships with others, then the overall quality of life is at risk and professional treatment and support may prove necessary.

At the Sanctuary Byron Bay, we specialise in treatment for drug addictions including addictions to illicit drugs.  Our approach is multi-disciplinary involving medical care, complementary therapies and intensive psychotherapy.  Each program is uniquely customised to the needs of each client but we usually recommend a medically supervised Detox Program followed by an Intensive Program .  A multi-disciplinary approach is crucial as there can be a raft of interacting issues requiring different interventions.  For example, during the withdrawal phase, soothing and grounding therapies are necessary to stabilise and strengthen, following which, more intensive psychotherapy is required to challenge dysfunctional cognitions and behaviour.  Contact us to find out how a highly specific and personalised program can be created for you.

For free information resources relating to any drug of concern, please click here.