Drug Addiction Therapy Birmingham

Drug Addiction Therapy Birmingham Drugs interfere with normal brain functioning and prolonged use can lead to long-term detrimental effects on brain metabolism and activity. Environment.

Many people don't understand why or how other people become addicted to drugs. They may mistakenly think that those who use drugs lack moral principles or willpower and that they could stop their drug use simply by choosing to. In reality, drug addiction is a complex disease, and quitting usually takes more than good intentions or a strong will. Drugs change the brain in ways that make quitting hard, even for those who want to. Fortunately, researchers know more than ever about how drugs affect the brain and have found treatments that can help people recover from drug addiction and lead productive lives. What Is drug addiction? Addiction is a chronic disease characterized by drug seeking and use that is compulsive, or difficult to control, despite harmful consequences. The initial decision to take drugs is voluntary for most people, but repeated drug use can lead to brain changes that challenge an addicted person’s self-control and interfere with their ability to resist intense urges to take drugs. These brain changes can be persistent, which is why drug addiction is considered a "relapsing" disease—people in recovery from drug use disorders are at increased risk for returning to drug use even after years of not taking the drug. It's common for a person to relapse, but relapse doesn't mean that treatment doesn’t work. As with other chronic health conditions, treatment should be ongoing and should be adjusted based on how the patient responds. Treatment plans need to be reviewed often and modified to fit the patient’s changing needs. What happens to the brain when a person takes drugs? Most drugs affect the brain's "reward circuit" by flooding it with the chemical messenger dopamine. This reward system controls the body's ability to feel pleasure and motivates a person to repeat behaviors needed to thrive, such as eating and spending time with loved ones. This overstimulation of the reward circuit causes the intensely pleasurable "high" that can lead people to take a drug again and again. As a person continues to use drugs, the brain adjusts to the excess dopamine by making less of it and/or reducing the ability of cells in the reward circuit to respond to it. This reduces the high that the person feels compared to the high they felt when first taking the drug—an effect known as tolerance. They might take more of the drug, trying to achieve the same dopamine high. It can also cause them to get less pleasure from other things they once enjoyed, like food or social activities. Long-term use also causes changes in other brain chemical systems and circuits as well, affecting functions that include:

learning
judgment
decision-making
stress
memory
behavior
Despite being aware of these harmful outcomes, many people who use drugs continue to take them, which is the nature of addiction. Why do some people become addicted to drugs while others don't? No one factor can predict if a person will become addicted to drugs. A combination of factors influences risk for addiction. The more risk factors a person has, the greater the chance that taking drugs can lead to addiction. For example:

Photo of a young woman seated and leaning forward against the backrest of a park bench. Photo by ©Aleshyn_Andrei/Shutterstock
Biology. The genes that people are born with account for about half of a person's risk for addiction. Gender, ethnicity, and the presence of other mental disorders may also influence risk for drug use and addiction. A person’s environment includes many different influences, from family and friends to economic status and general quality of life. Factors such as peer pressure, physical and s*xual abuse, early exposure to drugs, stress, and parental guidance can greatly affect a person’s likelihood of drug use and addiction. Development. Genetic and environmental factors interact with critical developmental stages in a person’s life to affect addiction risk. Although taking drugs at any age can lead to addiction, the earlier that drug use begins, the more likely it will progress to addiction. This is particularly problematic for teens. Because areas in their brains that control decision-making, judgment, and self-control are still developing, teens may be especially prone to risky behaviors, including trying drugs. People who are recovering from an addiction will be at risk for relapse for years and possibly for their whole lives. Research shows that combining addiction treatment medicines with behavioral therapy ensures the best chance of success for most patients. Treatment approaches tailored to each patient’s drug use patterns and any co-occurring medical, mental, and social problems can lead to continued recovery. Call Stuart 07825 599340
stuart@harleystreetaddictionspecialist.co.uk
www.harleystreetaddictionspecialist.co.uk

Insomnia, Sleep Issues , Misophonia Client referral posted today ," Great, and effective hypnotherapist. Stuarts techniq...
15/10/2025

Insomnia, Sleep Issues , Misophonia
Client referral posted today ,
" Great, and effective hypnotherapist. Stuarts techniques really work and will change you're life for the better.
Hi my name is Neil. I came across Stuart Downing when I found myself seeking out hypnotherapy to treat problems I was having with my sleep due to living next door to previous neighbours who were very noisy and whom had kept me awake. Thankfully, after a couple of months, the neighbours had moved on, but unfortunately as a result, I developed an anxiety about getting to sleep, which in turn lead to me developing an insomnia which was caused by the anxiety. I had also developed Misophonia as a result, and had become hypersensitive to certain noises, such as any bangs or thuds. Even though the neighbours had left, my anxiety still persisted, which only caused me even more anxiety as I couldnt understand why I just couldnt relax as I knew the neighbours were no longer there. It got too the point where the anxiety around my sleep was so bad, that it really started to have a profound effect on my life. I felt I couldnt enjoy life anymore, I just wasnt happy. I had felt like I had lost the ability to relax, as a result it really started to effect my relationships with my family as I just wasnt me anymore, so to speak. Thats when I knew I had to do something as I felt it was destroying my life. I researched hypnotherapy. I was curious as to how it worked, and researched whether or not it would be beneficial for the issues that I was going through. I sought out a few hypnotherapists, thats when I came across Stuart Downing. I did my research on him, and discovered that he could treat issues around sleep/anxiety. I read his reviews, which were all positive. I booked a consultation with Stuart, who was very friendly and reassuring and explained how hypnotherapy worked and the methods he was going to deploy in helping to heal me. In the consultation, Stuart told me that I would only require three to four sessions at the most, which I was surprised about to be honest, as I felt so afflicted by my issues. What can I say? Well, after just one session, I already noticed a vast improvement in my sleep quality. I was sleeping longer and deeper, and waking up totally refreshed. Over the last few weeks of the sessions , my sleep and anxiety has just got better and better. I feel much less anxious, and lot more relaxed, like a weight has been lifted. I am so glad that I decided to invest in the sessions with Stuart, and would recommend it to anyone who is considering hypnotherapy. Stuart helped me learn that a lot of fear is irrational and totally unnessacary, and that I can rationalise with myself that I do not need to feel that fear. I have also learnt extremely effective relaxation techniques, which have really helped me. I f I ever experience any difficulties in the future, I will be sure to utilise these techniques. So, if you have any issue that is effecting you to the point where it is having a profound effect on you're life, then I would highly recommend that you book yourself a consultation with Stuart Downing, it can and will change you're life!
Neil 14/10/25

If you need help with sleep issues , contact Stuart 07825 599340
stuart@hypnotherapy4freedom.co.uk
https://hypnotherapy4freedom.co.uk/hypnotherapy-services/hypnotherapy-for-sleep-disorders-Sleep Disorders and Insomnia Therapy Birmingham
https://hypnotherapy4freedom.co.uk/reviews

Stuart Downing is a trusted hypnotherapist helping clients overcome their issues across the UK and worldwide. Read his reviews here.

Insomnia and Sleep Issues Lying awake at night, staring at the ceiling, feeling wired but exhausted? If that sounds fami...
10/02/2025

Insomnia and Sleep Issues
Lying awake at night, staring at the ceiling, feeling wired but exhausted?
If that sounds familiar , there’s a good chance your cortisol levels are out of control.
And here’s the deal: high cortisol is more than just a bad night’s sleep—it’s a serious roadblock to your health, energy, and your ability to hit the flow state.
Cortisol is your body’s built-in alarm system.
It’s meant to help you handle stress, but when it sticks around too long—especially at night—it can wreak havoc on your sleep.
Studies show that elevated evening cortisol is one of the biggest culprits behind tossing and turning, disrupted sleep cycles, and that feeling of being “tired but wired”.
When your cortisol levels are too high in the evening, your body stays in a state of alertness, making it nearly impossible to relax and fall asleep.
And poor sleep doesn’t just affect your mood—it drags down your entire health, energy, and performance.
The Cost of High Cortisol:
1. Disrupted Sleep
High cortisol messes with your body’s natural circadian rhythm, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. You wake up feeling drained, no matter how long you’ve been in bed.
2. Increased Stress and Anxiety
Cortisol is linked to heightened stress responses. If your cortisol stays high, your body is constantly in “fight-or-flight” mode, which leads to more stress, anxiety, and mental fog during the day.
3. Blocked Flow State
Cortisol doesn’t just affect your sleep—it blocks your ability to enter the flow state. The flow state is where you’re fully focused and performing at your best, but high cortisol keeps your brain stuck in overdrive, making it impossible to focus deeply or think creatively.
Now, imagine what happens when you cut evening cortisol by 25%.
You’re not just lowering your stress—you’re giving your body the green light to relax, sleep deeply, and wake up energized.
Lowering cortisol improves your sleep quality, reduces anxiety, and opens the door for you to finally access the flow state.
When cortisol comes down:
1. Deep, Restorative Sleep
Lower cortisol allows your body to enter its natural rest-and-recover mode, improving sleep quality and helping you wake up refreshed and ready to take on the day.
2. Reduced Anxiety, More Clarity
When your cortisol levels are balanced, you’ll notice less anxiety, better mental clarity, and an increased sense of calm. This sets you up for a more productive, focused day.
3. More Consistent Flow State
With cortisol in check, your mind and body can work together, making it easier to slip into the flow state—where creativity, focus, and high performance come effortlessly.
You don’t have to spend another night staring at the ceiling, trapped in a cycle of poor sleep and high stress.
Lowering your evening cortisol naturally is possible, and it’s the key to better sleep, more energy, and consistent access to the flow state.
Call Stuart - 07825 599340 to discuss your insomnia issue in more detail
Email - stuart .co.uk
https://hypnotherapy4freedom.co.uk/.../hypnotherapy-for...
Client reviews - https://hypnotherapy4freedom.co.uk/reviews

Stuart Downing is a trusted hypnotherapist helping clients overcome their issues across the UK and worldwide. Read his reviews here.

25/01/2025

Many people don't understand why or how other people become addicted to drugs. They may mistakenly think that those who use drugs lack moral principles or willpower and that they could stop their drug use simply by choosing to. In reality, drug addiction is a complex disease, and quitting usually takes more than good intentions or a strong will. Drugs change the brain in ways that make quitting hard, even for those who want to. Fortunately, researchers know more than ever about how drugs affect the brain and have found treatments that can help people recover from drug addiction and lead productive lives.
What Is drug addiction?
Addiction is a chronic disease characterized by drug seeking and use that is compulsive, or difficult to control, despite harmful consequences. The initial decision to take drugs is voluntary for most people, but repeated drug use can lead to brain changes that challenge an addicted person’s self-control and interfere with their ability to resist intense urges to take drugs. These brain changes can be persistent, which is why drug addiction is considered a "relapsing" disease—people in recovery from drug use disorders are at increased risk for returning to drug use even after years of not taking the drug.
It's common for a person to relapse, but relapse doesn't mean that treatment doesn’t work. As with other chronic health conditions, treatment should be ongoing and should be adjusted based on how the patient responds. Treatment plans need to be reviewed often and modified to fit the patient’s changing needs.
What happens to the brain when a person takes drugs?
Most drugs affect the brain's "reward circuit" by flooding it with the chemical messenger dopamine. This reward system controls the body's ability to feel pleasure and motivates a person to repeat behaviors needed to thrive, such as eating and spending time with loved ones. This overstimulation of the reward circuit causes the intensely pleasurable "high" that can lead people to take a drug again and again.
As a person continues to use drugs, the brain adjusts to the excess dopamine by making less of it and/or reducing the ability of cells in the reward circuit to respond to it. This reduces the high that the person feels compared to the high they felt when first taking the drug—an effect known as tolerance. They might take more of the drug, trying to achieve the same dopamine high. It can also cause them to get less pleasure from other things they once enjoyed, like food or social activities.
Long-term use also causes changes in other brain chemical systems and circuits as well, affecting functions that include:
learning
judgment
decision-making
stress
memory
behaviour
Despite being aware of these harmful outcomes, many people who use drugs continue to take them, which is the nature of addiction.
Call Stuart - 078825 599340 to discuss your drug issue
stuart@stuartdowning.co.uk

Stuart Downing is an expert life coach offering life and business coaching in London, across the UK, internationally, and online coaching.

04/06/2022

What is co***ne addiction and am I addicted?
Co***ne addiction in the UK is becoming a growing problem (Read statistics on Co***ne Addiction here).
Co***ne addiction is the combination of two factors, physical dependency and psychological dependency.

Physical Dependence

Co***ne works on the brain by increasing the brain chemical dopamine, which is the chemical responsible for our mental reward system. The things that give us pleasure such as food, s*x, excitement are all examples of dopamine release. Usually, our brains release just enough to make us feel good, and the remainder gets pulled back into the nerve cells that produced it. The problem after a period of repeated co***ne use is that the brain adapts to these high levels of dopamine by reducing its ability to create it. The result of this lowered natural production is the necessity to take more co***ne to feel “normal.” If the regular dose now only makes you feel okay, then you now need to take a more substantial amount to feel high.

Psychological dependence upon co***ne

Often a person’s first encounter with co***ne can make them feel on top of the world and give them a whole new level of confidence. People with low self-esteem can suddenly find themselves having no problems in social situations. People with busy lives and low energy become revitalised.

It’s probably not likely for a person to obtain a physical dependence after taking co***ne once. It is, however, very possible for a person to want to feel that new level of confidence, self-esteem and energy again. Especially if they feel a massive anti-climax when returning to normality.

Thousands of people use co***ne in Birmingham from all walks of life and age groups. There is no shame in admitting if you have a problem.

Can hypnotherapy help with co***ne addiction?
Stuart Downing hypnotherapist is a member of the Federation of Drug & Alcohol Professionals. He has extensive experience and understanding of the root causes of your dependency. We established earlier that the reasons that co***ne is so highly addictive are that it provides people that have low levels of confidence and self-esteem to become confident. It allows people who are tired from work to have boosts of energy. Self-esteem, confidence and energy problems are all things that make hypnotherapy for co***ne addiction a viable therapy. It has a proven track record in all of these areas.

If you’re suffering from co***ne dependency, we have two clinics in Birmingham and clinics in other areas, including London. Any communications of any kind are entirely in the strictest confidence.

A lot of people with co***ne dependency have excellent careers and high positions in society. There is no shame in admitting if you need help and Stuart Downing can provide that help.

Stuart has an excellent track record in helping with co***ne addiction. Just take the first step and get in touch today. Remember, everything you say is in the strictest confidence, and I’m here to help.

If you would like to know if hypnotherapy for co***ne addiction might be right for you and have some questions, then please don’t hesitate to contact me
Zoom online appointments

Call Stuart for a free confidential consultation – 07825 599340
stuart@stuartdowning.co.uk
https://hypnotherapy4freedom.co.uk/hypnotherapy-services/hypnotherapy-for-co***ne-addiction
https://hypnotherapy4freedom.co.uk/hypnotherapy-services/hypnotherapy-for-alcohol-addiction
https://harleystreetaddictionspecialist.co.uk

What our clients say - https://stuartdowning.co.uk/client-reviews

02/06/2022

Bipolar Disorder and Hypnotherapy
It can sometimes feel like you’re completely at the mercy of unpredictable, dramatic mood and energy changes.Life with bipolar disorder is a pretty major challenge. Everybody’s moods fluctuate but when you have ‘manic depression’ the highs and lows are so much higher and lower, with good moods where you feel like you rule the world and bad moods where you feel like the world has completely crushed you.
Typically, when those euphoric moods get going, you feel like you can do anything, like there cannot possibly be any bad consequences of what you do. You lose all sense of perspective and rational judgement, leading you to behave in ways which have disastrous results.
When the downward swing starts, it all heads off in the other direction. Everything is terrible and the whole world is against you and what’s the point of getting up in the morning, or indeed anything? Once again, you have lost your perspective.

Learning to read storm warnings

Although other people can see the signs of these moods coming on, and developing into full blown emotional hurricanes, it can seem as if there’s no way for you yourself to tell that it is happening and that it’s time to take preventive action.

But overwhelming and insurmountable though these patterns might feel, it is actually possible to get more control, to learn to spot the danger signals, and take action to avoid getting derailed – again.
The goal with hypnosis for bipolar disorder is to reduce the client’s stress levels and help them to focus on the positive aspects.
Call Stuart 07825 599340 to discuss how hypnotherapy can bring balance back to your life .
stuart@stuartdowning.co.uk
https://hypnotherapy4freedom.co.uk
What our clients say - https://stuartdowning.co.uk/client-reviews

Zoom online appointments

Stuart Downing DMH DHyp CPNLP EMDR Dip MNACP

Professional Hypnotherapist - Life Coach & NLP Master practitioner

www.stuartdowning.co.uk

www.harleystreetaddictionspecialist.co.uk

www.hypnotherapy4freedom.com

01/05/2022

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Often a pattern of ongoing instability in moods, behaviour, self-image, ,anger (splitting) and abandonment can all be prevalent in BPD.
Specialised therapy for BPD - Call Stuart -07825 599340 for a free telephone conversation to discuss how BPD therapy will help you take back control .
Zoom online appointments available
stuart@stuartdowning.co.uk
https://hypnotherapy4freedom.com/hypnotherapy-services/borderline-personality-disorder
https://www.borderlinepersonalitydisorderbirmingham.co.uk
See what our clients say =https://www.stuartdowning.co.uk/client-reviews

Fast Addiction treatment with Neuroscience techniquesPeople who are prone to addiction often believe they cannot become ...
18/04/2022

Fast Addiction treatment with Neuroscience techniques
People who are prone to addiction often believe they cannot become addicted or stop their addiction any time they want. However, the reality of it is different and they feel despair when they cannot break the strong addiction cycle that negatively affects their life and their loved ones.
Whether you have a behavioural addiction, alcohol use disorder (AUD), or substance use disorder (SUD), the first step to addiction treatment is to recognize your addiction and decide to change. Next, you have to select the right treatment approach so that you can get the resources required to overcome the mental challenges.
How to overcome addiction?
In order to overcome addiction, you have to recognise that you have a problem that needs to be fixed. This is tough for most people who have become a victim of addiction and it takes time to process your thoughts internally to make a life-changing decision. This period is known as the ‘contemplation’ stage.
Common forms of addiction include:
● Drug addiction
● co***ne addiction
● cannabis addiction
● alcohol addiction
● gambling addiction
● food addiction - eating disorders
● anxiety
● P.T.S.D
● And more
It is recommended that you consult an addiction specialist to help you understand the harm reduction strategies that you have to follow. Setting ambitious goals such as trying to quit ‘cold turkey’ is an unrealistic approach and can cause more harm since you can end up relapsing. It is much better to consult an experienced addiction specialist and set a more realistic goal that you can follow.
How neuroscience techniques can help treat addiction fast
There are many different approaches to overcoming addiction such as using psychotherapy practices and medications for different forms of addiction. The different forms of psychotherapy that are used to treat addictive behaviour often includes the 12-step facilitation. Medication-based therapy includes detoxification for treating serious substance use disorders using suitable medications.
However, using neuroscience techniques, Hypnotherapy, NLP, E.M.D.R, and rapid intervention techniques can help you to get rid of your addiction in the shortest time possible
You need to be in the care of an experienced addiction specialist who can personalize a recovery program suitable for you. The program would allow you to recognize your cycle of addictive behaviour and allow you to cope with the triggers.
How to manage withdrawal symptoms and avoid relapse
Overcoming any form of addiction is challenging since you have to deal with withdrawal symptoms. The withdrawal symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and sometimes life-threatening. Generally, acute withdrawal symptoms pass within a week or so. However, if you suffer from post-acute withdrawal syndrome(PAWS) the symptoms can continue for weeks, months, and even years if not managed properly..
On average, almost 40 per cent of people who are trying to overcome substance use addiction relapse at some point in their journey. This happens due to strong urges known as cravings which can cause you to engage in your favourite form of addictive behaviour. Cravings can creep up on you after weeks or months and can be difficult to manage without help.
Using a combination of integrative therapies and nuero science techniques, the addictive behaviour is controlled/ reduced and the route cause issues resolved
If you want to overcome your addiction fast and need support you can contact Harley Street Addiction Specialist, London.
Call Stuart - 020 3143 5263/07825 599340 for a free no obligation telephone consultation
Harley Street Addiction Specialist
1 Harley Street,
London, W1G 9QD
stuart@harleystreetaddictionspecialist.co.uk
https://www.harleystreetaddictionspecialist.co.uk

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Drug Addiction Therapy

Many people don't understand why or how other people become addicted to drugs. They may mistakenly think that those who use drugs lack moral principles or willpower and that they could stop their drug use simply by choosing to. In reality, drug addiction is a complex disease, and quitting usually takes more than good intentions or a strong will. Drugs change the brain in ways that make quitting hard, even for those who want to. Fortunately, researchers know more than ever about how drugs affect the brain and have found treatments that can help people recover from drug addiction and lead productive lives. What Is drug addiction? Addiction is a chronic disease characterized by drug seeking and use that is compulsive, or difficult to control, despite harmful consequences. The initial decision to take drugs is voluntary for most people, but repeated drug use can lead to brain changes that challenge an addicted person’s self-control and interfere with their ability to resist intense urges to take drugs. These brain changes can be persistent, which is why drug addiction is considered a "relapsing" disease—people in recovery from drug use disorders are at increased risk for returning to drug use even after years of not taking the drug. It's common for a person to relapse, but relapse doesn't mean that treatment doesn’t work. As with other chronic health conditions, treatment should be ongoing and should be adjusted based on how the patient responds. Treatment plans need to be reviewed often and modified to fit the patient’s changing needs. What happens to the brain when a person takes drugs? Most drugs affect the brain's "reward circuit" by flooding it with the chemical messenger dopamine. This reward system controls the body's ability to feel pleasure and motivates a person to repeat behaviors needed to thrive, such as eating and spending time with loved ones. This overstimulation of the reward circuit causes the intensely pleasurable "high" that can lead people to take a drug again and again. As a person continues to use drugs, the brain adjusts to the excess dopamine by making less of it and/or reducing the ability of cells in the reward circuit to respond to it. This reduces the high that the person feels compared to the high they felt when first taking the drug—an effect known as tolerance. They might take more of the drug, trying to achieve the same dopamine high. It can also cause them to get less pleasure from other things they once enjoyed, like food or social activities. Long-term use also causes changes in other brain chemical systems and circuits as well, affecting functions that include: learning judgment decision-making stress memory behavior Despite being aware of these harmful outcomes, many people who use drugs continue to take them, which is the nature of addiction. Why do some people become addicted to drugs while others don't? No one factor can predict if a person will become addicted to drugs. A combination of factors influences risk for addiction. The more risk factors a person has, the greater the chance that taking drugs can lead to addiction. For example: Photo of a young woman seated and leaning forward against the backrest of a park bench. Photo by ©Aleshyn_Andrei/Shutterstock Biology. The genes that people are born with account for about half of a person's risk for addiction. Gender, ethnicity, and the presence of other mental disorders may also influence risk for drug use and addiction. Environment. A person’s environment includes many different influences, from family and friends to economic status and general quality of life. Factors such as peer pressure, physical and s*xual abuse, early exposure to drugs, stress, and parental guidance can greatly affect a person’s likelihood of drug use and addiction. Development. Genetic and environmental factors interact with critical developmental stages in a person’s life to affect addiction risk. Although taking drugs at any age can lead to addiction, the earlier that drug use begins, the more likely it will progress to addiction. This is particularly problematic for teens. Because areas in their brains that control decision-making, judgment, and self-control are still developing, teens may be especially prone to risky behaviors, including trying drugs. People who are recovering from an addiction will be at risk for relapse for years and possibly for their whole lives. Research shows that combining addiction treatment medicines with behavioral therapy ensures the best chance of success for most patients. Treatment approaches tailored to each patient’s drug use patterns and any co-occurring medical, mental, and social problems can lead to continued recovery. Drugs interfere with normal brain functioning and prolonged use can lead to long-term detrimental effects on brain metabolism and activity.

ONLINE THERAPY APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE...... NOW Call Stuart 07825 599340

stuart@hypnotherapy4freedom.com

https://hypnotherapy4freedom.com/hypnotherapy-services/hypnotherapy-for-co***ne-addiction/