Addicted to Anxiety: How to Break the Habit

A Sunday Times bestseller that redefines anxiety as an addiction--and gives you the tools to finally break the cycle.

Why do we stay anxious even when we desperately want peace? In Addicted to Anxiety, Sunday Times bestselling author and psychotherapist Owen O’Kane reveals the hidden truth: anxiety isn’t just a feeling--it’s a habit, one we may be unconsciously addicted to. Drawing on over 25 years of clinical experience, O’Kane explains how anxious thought loops, emotional avoidance, and a subconscious belief in the ＂safety＂ of worry can keep us stuck. The good news? Once you understand the mechanism, you can break it.

Unlike typical anxiety books that focus on symptom relief, Addicted to Anxiety tackles the root cause--our reliance on anxious behaviors to cope, control, or feel safe. With warmth, clarity, and actionable guidance, O’Kane offers tools to help readers identify triggers, challenge core beliefs, and build new habits that lead to a calmer, more empowered life. His signature approach, grounded in neuroscience and psychology but deeply human and accessible, makes complex emotional patterns feel manageable--and changeable.

Already a bestseller in the UK and translated into 19 languages, Addicted to Anxiety has struck a global chord with readers, media, and mental health professionals alike. Whether you’re a chronic overthinker, an anxious high-achiever, or simply someone feeling overwhelmed by a turbulent world, this book offers both insight and hope. It’s time to break up with anxiety--and finally feel free.

This edition is printed in large font to reduce anxiety while reading.

OWEN is recognized as one of the UK’s leading mental health experts. He is a practicing psychotherapist, a former NHS Clinical Lead, and a Sunday Times bestselling author. With a remarkable ability to simplify complex psychological concepts and mental health tools, he makes them both accessible and easy to understand. He speaks at wellness festivals and conferences, and frequently appears on TV, radio, and podcasts. He lives in West London with his partner Mark and their dog, Will.