Addiction

8th Nov 2024

Addiction

Addiction is a common problem, but help is available

Most addictions are defined as not having control over doing, taking, or using something to the point where it could be harmful to you or others around you

Although addiction is commonly associated with gambling, drugs, alcohol, and smoking, it is possible to be addicted to just about anything

There are many reasons why addictions start, in the case of drugs, alcohol and nicotine these substances affect the way you feel physically and mentally. These feelings can be enjoyable which then creates a powerful urge to want to use them again

Inhaling substances such as glue, aerosols, petrol, or lighter fluid is a way of feeling intoxicated to get that “High” feeling

Gambling can result in a similar mental high after a win. This then creates the urge to try again to recreate that feeling, continuing this cycle can develop into a habit that becomes very hard to stop. This can lead to other issues due to the financial implications and result in getting into debt

With an increase in the use of computers and mobile phones computer and internet addictions have also risen. People are spending hours day and night surfing the internet or gaming, this often leads to them neglecting other areas of their life

Having an addiction to something means that not having it cause withdrawal symptoms or a come down, as this can be unpleasant, and it is often easier to carry on having or doing what you crave and so the cycle continues

Addictions get out of control because you need more and more to satisfy the craving and achieve that “High” you’re craving for

Managing an addiction can have consequences on other aspects of your life. People will often think that their problem isn’t that bad, or that they are managing it and no one else will have noticed. Having an addiction to drugs and alcohol can have serious psychological and physical effects.

Drugs, alcohol and substance misuse can be used as way of blocking out past traumas, difficult situations, stress and emotional problems, any of these can trigger an addiction

NHS Addiction Support

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/addiction-support/

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Alcohol Change UK

alcoholchange.org.uk

FRANK

talktofrank.com

The Mix

https://www.themix.org.uk/search/addiction

Young Minds

https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/coping-with-life/drugs-and-alcohol/