According to the charity Action on Addiction, one in three people are addicted to something. An addiction can come in many forms and can take over your life, affecting your health, work, study, relationships and finances, and overcoming one can be a very lengthy and challenging journey.
An addiction is a compulsive behaviour that is very difficult to control. The most common symptoms of addiction include severe loss of control, continued use despite serious consequences, failed attempts to quit, tolerance and withdrawal. Very often those who are suffering from addiction are frequently diagnosed with a co-occurring disorder in which an individual has a co-existing mental illness and substance use disorder which if not treated in time can lead to devastating outcomes.
The Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) knows that early intervention and a holistic approach can prevent mental health and addiction problems from spiralling out of control and help those who are struggling to embark on their road to recovery. This is why EIC recently launched Mental Health Awareness training, Mental Health First Aider training and the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), which is funded by powerLottery, to ensure that those who are struggling are getting all the support they need.
Recently, EIC offered assistance to Ian Field, who contacted the Charity for help after experiencing a deterioration in his relationship, feeling as though his emotional needs were not being met. Ian had suffered significant family trauma as a child. His mother physically abused him, and his relationship with his father was distant. Ian felt consumed by his current relationship and haunted by past relationships, resulting in him feeling desperate and isolated.
The Charity referred Ian for a psychological assessment and he was diagnosed as having post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety. Ian then underwent a method of therapy called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which is used to alleviate experiences of trauma.
During EMDR therapy sessions people relive traumatic or triggering experiences in brief doses while the therapist directs the person’s eye movements. This therapy was found to be very effective in Ian’s case and he is working on his relationship and attributed feelings.
Addiction recovery is hard, but with the right assistance, anyone can overcome it and lead a better quality of life. So, why not become a partner of EIC’s Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) or sign up to powerLottery by downloading the EIC powerLottery app. By doing so, you can help EIC to offer guidance and support to many more people within the electrical sector who are suffering from mental health problems or a struggling to overcome their addiction on their own.
If you or someone you know is having difficulty to overcome an addiction and requires support, please contact the EIC support team:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0800 652 1618.
Alternatively, if you would like to show your support for a colleague who is struggling throughout their cancer journey, sign up to become a partner of EIC’ Employee Assistance Programme or take part in powerLottery by downloading the EIC’s powerLottery app and tap the app to play.
For further information, please contact, Jess Vailima: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.