Addiction & Substance Misuse

Understanding Addiction

At Cosmos Healthcare, we take an integrated approach to addiction treatment. We combine evidence-based psychological therapy with TMS neuromodulation to address addiction at multiple levels: the psychological patterns that drive use, the neurological changes that maintain dependence, and the physical processes that underpin cravings.

Dr Aydin has extensive experience treating substance misuse, including cannabis, alcohol, cocaine, and gambling addiction. His integrated approach combines TMS neuromodulation with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), addressing both the neurological and psychological aspects of addiction.

This evidence-based approach has supported many individuals in their recovery journey. Treatment programmes are tailored to each individual's needs, with structured protocols designed to address the specific challenges of each type of addiction.

Cannabis Addiction

Cannabis is often perceived as harmless, but high-THC products can create significant psychological dependence and cause genuine harm.

Common Effects of Chronic Cannabis Use

• Loss of motivation and drive (amotivational syndrome)
• Memory and concentration problems
• Disrupted sleep architecture and loss of dreams
• Anxiety and paranoia
• In vulnerable individuals, psychotic symptoms

Why Quitting is Harder Than Expected

Cannabis doesn't produce the dramatic physical withdrawal of opioids or alcohol, but psychological dependence can be powerful. Many users have been consuming daily for years and have never developed alternative ways to relax, socialise, or cope with stress.

Our Approach

Our intensive programme helps you understand exactly what cannabis has been doing to your brain and why you feel the way you do. We combine CBT to address psychological patterns with TMS targeting reward circuits and impulse control regions. Most clients complete the programme within a treatment period.

Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol dependence ranges from problematic heavy drinking to severe physical addiction. Our psychological and neuromodulation services are appropriate for those who want to reduce or stop drinking, have completed any necessary medical stabilisation, or are seeking comprehensive psychological support for alcohol-related issues.

We address the psychological drivers of alcohol use—stress, social anxiety, trauma, habit—while using TMS to support recovery by targeting the brain circuits involved in craving and impulse control.

Important: If you are physically dependent on alcohol (experiencing shakes, sweating, or other withdrawal symptoms when you don't drink), you may require medical stabilisation before starting psychological treatment. We can advise on appropriate services and coordinate with your healthcare providers.

Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine creates powerful psychological dependence by flooding the brain with dopamine, creating intense euphoria followed by equally intense crashes. Over time, the brain's reward system becomes dysregulated, leading to intense cravings, inability to experience pleasure from normal activities, impulsive decision-making, and depression and anxiety between uses.

TMS can help rebalance the disrupted reward circuits, reducing cravings and supporting the brain's natural recovery. Combined with CBT addressing the situations and emotions that trigger use, this provides a comprehensive foundation for lasting recovery.

Gambling Addiction

Gambling addiction (gambling disorder) shares many features with substance addictions: the same reward circuits are involved, the same escalating tolerance develops, and the same devastating consequences unfold. Problem gambling can destroy finances, relationships, and mental health.

Treatment combines CBT (addressing distorted beliefs about gambling and developing alternative responses to triggers) with TMS targeting impulse control circuits. We also address any underlying conditions like depression or anxiety that may be fuelling gambling behaviour.

Integrated Treatment Approach

Dr Aydin's approach to addiction treatment combines evidence-based interventions to address both the neurological and psychological aspects of substance dependence.

Multimodal Treatment

Treatment typically integrates multiple therapeutic modalities, tailored to individual needs:

• TMS Neuromodulation — Targeting brain circuits involved in craving and impulse control
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy — Addressing thought patterns and behavioural triggers
• Psychological Support — Building coping strategies and relapse prevention skills

Personalised Care

Every individual's addiction journey is different. Treatment programmes are developed based on comprehensive assessment, taking into account the specific substance or behaviour involved, underlying psychological factors, and individual goals for recovery.

Our Addiction Programme

Initial Assessment: Assessment & Foundation

• Comprehensive assessment of your addiction history
• Medical and psychological evaluation
• QEEG brain mapping
• Development of personalised treatment plan
• Begin CBT therapy

Treatment Phase: Intensive Treatment

• Regular TMS neuromodulation sessions
• Intensive CBT (multiple sessions)
• Education about addiction neuroscience
• Coping skills development
• Psychological support

Consolidation Phase: Consolidation

• Continued TMS and therapy
• Relapse prevention planning
• Family involvement (where appropriate)
• Preparation for ongoing recovery

Ongoing: Aftercare

• Follow-up appointments
• Maintenance TMS if beneficial
• Ongoing therapy support available
• Connection with community resources