The MORE programme — working with addictive behaviour

The observation the programme grew from

In prolonged addiction a shift takes place: what used to bring joy — food, company, music, nature — stops bringing it. The reinforcement system reorganises itself around one overwhelming stimulus, and everything else no longer registers as pleasure against that background.

Hence the typical trap of giving up: a person stops using and finds themselves in a world where nothing is enjoyable. Holding out in that state on resolve alone is close to impossible.

MORE works not only with craving but with this too — with restoring the capacity to take pleasure in the ordinary.

Three components

Mindfulness. The skill of noticing craving as a process: it rises, peaks and falls if it is not fed. Observing the wave rather than fighting it or submitting to it. Separately, work with the automatic reactions that trigger use before any decision is made.

Reappraisal. Work with the interpretation of difficult situations and emotions. Craving rarely arises out of nowhere: it is usually preceded by stress, conflict or boredom. Being able to interpret a situation differently reduces the need for the substance as a way of coping.

Savouring. The most unusual part of the approach. Deliberate training of attention towards pleasant but unnoticed things: the taste of food, warmth, sounds, movement. This is not complacency but work with the reinforcement system: it restores sensitivity to natural reward.

How it runs

The programme is structured and includes regular practice between meetings. In individual work, elements of MORE are built into an overall plan for treating addictive behaviour, together with tools from CBT and DBT.

A necessary condition

With alcohol and substance dependence, stopping use can be dangerous without medical supervision. We do not provide medical services, do not carry out detoxification and do not supervise withdrawal. Psychological work is carried out alongside medical monitoring where that is required.

Where else it is used

In chronic pain — especially where painkillers have become a problem in themselves. MORE does not remove pain, but it reduces its impact on life and the need for medication.

At the centre

This direction is part of the centre’s list of training programmes. In therapy, elements of the approach are used in work with addictive behaviour.