Addiction

What is an addiction?

Activities like playing computer games, gambling and watching pornography can become addictive and interfere with the lives of those who become hooked. When an individual spends excessive time on these activities, the receptors in the brain become overstimulated, leading to a reduction in the levels of crucial neurotransmitters. This can lead to the development of an addiction. Other examples of activities that can lead to addiction include shopping, eating, and using social media excessively. When the individual discontinues these activities, a craving begins to set in.

What are the common signs of an addiction?

• The inability to discontinue the harmful, addictive behaviour
• Increased need for the addiction, whereby an intolerance develops
• Preoccupation with the exciting activity
• Loss of control and helplessness
• Withdrawal signs such as shaking, vomiting, irritability and sweating when discontinuing the activity or substance.

The above-mentioned are general signs. If you feel you may be suffering from an addiction, remember that you're not alone. It’s crucial to get evaluated by a professional like Dr Adelbert Scholtz, who can provide the support and guidance you need.

How do you check for an addiction?

Dr Adelbert Scholtz gathers information about your health history and asks questions about any problematic behaviours and patterns of substance use. Doctors commonly order urine and blood tests to assess your overall health and check for any underlying health issues.

How can you take control and treat an addiction?

Fortunately, it’s still possible to treat an addiction through psychotherapy, a form of therapy that helps reprogram the brain's response to addictive behaviours. This is achieved by identifying and addressing the underlying psychological issues that led to the addiction in the first place. Together with nutritional supplements, which stimulate the release of neurotransmitters when there was a previous deficiency, psychotherapy forms a comprehensive treatment plan for addiction.

© 2026 Dr Adelbert Scholtz, Christian Counselling Psychologist.

Website designed & hosted by Personalised Promotions in association with SA Medical Specialists. Sitemap.