Hey Zone17, I see that you are from the UK. I read once that doctors over there are more likely to suggest self help books before prescribing antidepressants. I am rereading this book right now that just addressed some of your concerns about addictions. Actually, I just finished the chapter on working with worry and anxiety. The book is The Mindfulness Solution by Ronald D. Siegel. I highly recommend it.
We all suffer from the thinking disease as he explains.
I have done a lot of other reading in different psychological schools or theories. I went through a lot of psychological suffering and battles with addictions when I was younger.
I believe that I understand what the root cause of it was now ( bisexual conflict or confusion ) My ego could not handle such thoughts which is sometimes referred to as being ego-dystonic. This one psychiatrist once stated that our sexual identity guarantees our psychic unity.
This is about all I have time to type this morning. Hang in there.