Project Description
Addiction
Addiction takes a variety of forms. It can be a chemical substance such as alcohol or cocaine or a behavioural addiction such as gaming, sex or gambling. People battling with addiction generally have a genetic vulnerability related to dopamine (reward) pathways. Substances or certain behaviours frequently become a way of dealing with life stressors and often start out slowly. You may, however, start to develop tolerance to the substance or behaviour and then requires more and more to have the same effect. Frequently, without realizing it, the use becomes increased in frequency and amount which starts to have negative effects on the individuals physical and mental health, finances, work and relationships. If you are suffering from active addiction you may lose perspective on the extent of the damage caused and your primary focus remains on engaging and obtaining the ‘high’.
People may experience:
Feeling that you have to use the substance or perform the behaviour regularly – daily or more than once a day
Having intense urges for the drug or behaviour to the point that other thoughts are blocked out
Over time, needing more of the substance or behaviour to get the same ‘high’
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop use of substance or behaviour
Not meeting obligations and work responsibilities, or cutting back on social or recreational activities because of substance use or behaviour
Our Approach
Addiction may be purely related to this reward pathway or may frequently be a ‘negative coping mechanism’ to deal with stress/ trauma/ grief or an underlying condition such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. With the treatment of addiction, it is essential to have a formal psychiatric assessment in order to assess the extent of the problem and to identify as well as treat any underlying condition. If the addiction is severe, a short-term detoxification and three week admission may be required to ‘kick-start’ the process and remove all temptation during the initial phase. The focus of treatment is to manage underlying conditions, work through previous life stressors/ trauma, acknowledge and attempt to repair the damages that the illness has caused and to establish more ‘positive coping mechanisms’ going forward. It is encouraged that the individual joins a support group and seek a sponsor to help guide them to move forward into a sober world.
TESTIMONIAL
Dr Comrie and her practice are delightful, kind, compassionate and loving.
I have been a patient of Dr Comrie since 2016 when she correctly diagnosed me (something my previous physiatrists hadn’t been able to do). I see Dr Comrie on a monthly bases to manage my illness. She is very caring and open to my input. I have overcome so much since I started seeing her over two years ago. It’s pleasant visiting the practice. Dr Comrie’s receptionist, Berri, is very upbeat and efficient and the practice is comfortable and clean. You can often spot squirrels from Dr Comrie’s consulting room 😉
Dr Comrie has been treating me as a psychological patient since 2011. From the age of 35, I had been seen by at least 12 different psychiatrists to no avail. Within a half an hour of seeing Laura she diagnosed me. Although there have been additional issues since then. Laura has stood by me through this and then made numerous attempts to involve my family in helping find solutions. Laura has always made me feel, we’ll get through this all be it one day at a time. Her staff have always been kind and helpful, a huge plus when receiving treatment that requires a lot of patience. Not only did or does Laura treat me psychiatrically, Laura goes the full hog to ensure all my medical needs are met and resolved. Even in my new marriage relationship, Laura has been the stalwart guiding us the way. I am grateful to have such a professional, caring, empathetic Psychiatrist to help me learn to live life on life’s terms. Laura you have saved my life and made life livable on many occasions. I am very appreciative of your ever special support and therapy. I don’t have the words to express how grateful and indebted I am.
I had my first consultation with Dr Laura Comrie in June 2017. I was referred to Dr Comrie by my specialist physician as I was suffering from depression and anxiety. Laura initially set about getting my medication correct for the symptoms I was experiencing. With time she has adjusted my medication to suit my changing circumstances and state of mind. From my first session, I found Laura to be a caring, empathetic, non-judgemental, warm, understanding and trustworthy support. I feel like I am in touch with myself again as Laura has helped me to reconnect with the real me. I now continue with a monthly session with Laura and look forward to the wisdom she continues to bring to my life. I can highly recommend Dr Comrie for anyone who is suffering from anxiety and depression.
I cancelled my first appointment with Dr Comrie because I didn’t think my problem was bad enough to need a psychiatrist. A few months later, I made another appointment. I considered cancelling again. Going to that appointment is one of the best decisions I have ever made. My only regret is that I hadn’t made it 10 years earlier.
Dr Comrie is one amazing, awesome, accommodating, high-spirited doctor. She is so very humane. I love her all around the world and I wouldn’t trade her for the world.