Addiction with Mark Dempster

Mark Dempster is an addiction specialist working with patients
with drug addiction, gambling addiction, sex addiction, alcohol
addiction, internet addiction, and more. He is a counsellor
dedicated to helping people regain control and turn their lives
around.  In the conversation we look at some of the
statistics around the health burden & impact on the
individual and extended families, how people become addicted
(habit Vs addiction), the 5 stages of addiction, common cognitive
pitfalls and finally breaking the cycle. We also explore some of
therapies that are evidence based and are commonly practised such
as CBT, DBT, ACT, and PET.


In 2013, the Centre for Social Justice determined that the level
of addiction in the UK made it the “addiction capital of Europe.”
This includes the use of legal substances, mainly alcohol, and
the use of Class A drugs, that include heroin, cocaine, meth, and
hallucinogens. £36 billion is spent by the nation every year on
treatment relating to drug and alcohol abuse. At the time of
filing their report, titled No Quick Fix, the UK had the highest
rate of addiction to opioids and the highest lifetime-use of
amphetamines, cocaine, and ecstasy across Europe.


Many view addiction as something that only affects the users
themselves but, in reality, casualties from substance abuse are
taxing on entire communities, the NHS and society as a whole. It
has a direct affect on healthcare workers and on the frontline of
the emergency services on a daily basis.


Please enjoy this interview with Mark, his clinic and work can be
found here:


http://markdempstercounselling.com/