Dealing with an addiction is never easy, but it’s even more difficult when you’re also struggling with mental health problems. When a person is suffering from both it is called a co-occurring disorder, and the addiction is often used as a form of self-medication to dull the experience. People can find themselves addicted to a wide range of things, even other people or personal relationships, and in many of these cases the relationship they persistently return to is unhealthy. Without suitable help an addiction is only likely to get worse, and the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) has provided support for a number of people living with a co-occurring disorder, and you can help provide funding that enables the Charity to do this by playing powerLottery.
You can take part in powerLottery for as little as £1 per month, and with every penny you donate you could be helping someone who is going through a traumatic time get the support they need to live a happier life. The Charity recently referred Ian Field for a psychological assessment, and he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety. He was also experiencing unhappiness in his relationship, leaving him feeling desperate and isolated.
Industry statistics suggest 82% of serious addiction sufferers had experienced a traumatic event in their childhood. This was true in Ian’s case, as he remembered his mother physically abusing him, while he only had a distant relationship with his father. Ian also felt consumed by his current relationship, feeling as though his emotional needs were not being met, and he was still haunted by his past relationships.
In cases like Ian’s it is important to break the cycle of addiction. The Charity understands the correlation between childhood trauma and addiction and is able to provide recommendations for therapy following a diagnosis. An effective method of therapy used to alleviate experiences of trauma is Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EDMR) therapy, defined as “an interactive psychotherapy technique used to relieve psychological stress”. During EMDR therapy sessions, an individual can relive traumatic or triggering experiences in brief doses while the therapist directs their eye movements. This therapy was found to be very effective in Ian’s case and he is working on his relationship and attributed feelings.
EIC will continue to monitor Ian’s progress and will ensure that he is well supported and that regular follow-ups are maintained. You can make your own contribution to Ian’s journey to recovery through powerLottery. The new prize pool means there are now 40 cash prizes available to win with every monthly draw, ranging from £50 to £1,000. There are also two half yearly draws that give you the chance to win £10,000! Make a positive difference in somebody’s life by signing up to powerLottery today. Simply download and tap the EIC powerLottery app to play.
If you or someone you know has been having trouble dealing with addiction or mental health issues, 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.