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  • Published: 27 May 2025
  • ISBN: 9780241701454
  • Imprint: Michael Joseph
  • Format: Trade Paperback
  • Pages: 352
  • RRP: $36.99

Addicted to Anxiety





A groundbreaking new approach to treating anxiety as an addiction, from one of the UK’s foremost mental health experts

Anxiety is a normal and sometimes healthy process, but in a world that feels increasingly unsafe and unpredictable, many of us find ourselves in its grip far more than is comfortable or truly necessary. If you subconsciously believe that worrying or investing in your anxiety will keep you safe, it is easy to get unwittingly hooked on it. To break free of anxiety, you must break free from the underlying beliefs that you cling to and the cyclical thoughts that perpetuate it.

Addicted to Anxiety will help you understand anxiety from the perspective of addiction, identifying your triggers and learning how to break your habits and actively replace them with new, more productive behaviours. It will put the power back in your own hands to live a calmer and less anxious life.

  • Published: 27 May 2025
  • ISBN: 9780241701454
  • Imprint: Michael Joseph
  • Format: Trade Paperback
  • Pages: 352
  • RRP: $36.99

Praise for Addicted to Anxiety

Owen takes the tangled, overwhelming problem of anxiety and unravels it with clarity and compassion ... turning the hard-to-understand into simple, actionable wisdom that anyone can use to reclaim peace and take control of their life.

Matt Willis

Owen's experience and wisdom allows him to cut to the chase of why we get stuck in difficult emotions and, more importantly, show us how to navigate them for happier lives. A must-read.

Will Young

Owen has the rare gift of explaining complex emotions in a truly engaging and digestible way. His tips and strategies for managing those emotions are explained with care, compassion and humour. Highly recommended.

Susie Dent

Addicted to Anxiety is a truly powerful and important book. Owen O'Kane’s piercing clarity as a therapist and writer gifts anybody who has experienced anxiety the insight and tools to overcome It.

Rob Rinder

There’s a reason Owen’s work has put him at the very top of his profession and why his books continue to top the best sellers chart - he’s one of the very best in his field.

Kate Thornton

A really important read for anyone wanting to live more comfortably with their anxious self. Full of clinical expertise, warmth and humanity.

Julia Samuel

One of the country's leading experts on mental health

The Times

Generous, wise and very persuasive

Observer Magazine

Friendly, reassuring, and confidently expert

i News

A fascinating read for anyone looking to break the cycle of worrying

Woman's Own
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