What we do · Addiction

Addiction and the RESET approach

Addiction is not a lack of willpower. It is often a way of coping with emotional pain, stress or trauma. Somaia works with both mind and body to address what sits underneath it, and to help people rebuild connection and purpose.

What is addiction?

Addiction is often misunderstood as a lack of willpower, but it runs much deeper than that. It can develop as a coping mechanism when the brain and body are looking for relief from emotional pain, stress or trauma.

It is not limited to alcohol or drugs. It can also involve behaviours such as gambling, overeating, excessive social media use or compulsive shopping. These may bring short term relief, but often lead to cycles of guilt, shame and dependency. At its core, addiction often reflects unmet needs for connection, safety or purpose.

A holistic view of addiction

Traditional approaches often focus on abstinence or changing behaviour. These can help, but they do not always address what drives the addiction, such as unresolved trauma, difficulty managing emotions or a nervous system stuck in stress mode.

The RESET model sees addiction not as a moral failing but as a signal of deeper pain. By working with both the physical and emotional roots, it supports people to break destructive cycles and build lives with fulfilment and purpose.

Our team's track record

Before founding Somaia, our team delivered the RESET approach within NHS addiction and recovery services.

100%of programme graduates abstinent or at low substance use after the programme

70%of graduates successfully discharged from services

NHSdelivery through Recovery Near You and SIAS recovery pathways

The RESET approach to addiction

Our integrative model supports people to recover by addressing the root causes of addiction.

1. Building self compassion

Shame often plays a central role in addiction. RESET creates a non judgemental space where people can explore their behaviours with curiosity rather than criticism, building self compassion and resilience rather than being defined by the addiction.

2. Understanding emotional triggers

Addiction is often driven by triggers such as loneliness, shame or fear. RESET helps people recognise and understand these triggers, using psychological support and body based practice to respond to them in healthier ways.

3. Regulating the nervous system

Addictive behaviours can bring temporary relief from a body stuck in fight or flight. Body based practices, including breathwork, strength training and cold exposure, help people find calm and control, reducing the urge to reach for that relief.

4. Working with what the body holds

Many addictions are linked to unresolved trauma, which can show up as discomfort, emptiness or disconnection. Breathwork and mindful movement give people safe ways to work with these feelings, rather than escape them.

5. Rebuilding connection and purpose

Addiction thrives in isolation. Recovery involves reconnecting with oneself, with others and with a sense of purpose, through individual work, group programmes and community.

A new path to freedom

Addiction is not an identity, it is a response to pain. With the right support, people can break free from its grip, develop tools for emotional regulation and resilience, and rebuild connection and purpose.