Addiction

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What is it?

Information

Addiction is a mental health condition marked by a strong, compulsive need for substances (like drugs or alcohol) or behaviours (like gambling) that can disrupt daily life and relationships, often needing professional help to overcome.

Here's more detail

Published: 05/10/24

Description

Being addicted means not having control over doing, taking or using something to the point where it could be harmful to you. It is possible to develop an addiction to just about anything, such as to drugs, alcohol, smoking and gambling, but also to work, the internet or shopping.

Dealing with an addiction can disrupt all aspects of everyday life. It may negatively affect work or school life, relationships, financial stability and physical and mental health.

Addictive substances or behaviours might offer a way to cope with or escape difficult feelings, but often make things worse in the long run. The more often we engage with addictive behaviours or substances to feel a sense of pleasure or reward, the harder it becomes to break the habit.

Young person with a bottle of alcohol

Signs

It’s tough to notice when you might be struggling with addiction, because it can get worse slowly over time. But here are some things to look out for:

  • Behavioural signs

    • Loss of control: Having trouble cutting back or stopping even when you want to.
    • Neglecting responsibilities: Struggling to keep up with work, school, or home duties because of the substance or behaviour.
    • Lying to friends and family, whether by making excuses, dodging questions, creating stories, changing the subject, or withholding information.
    • Social isolation: Withdrawing from family and friends or neglecting social activities and relationships.
    • Engaging in risky behaviours: Doing dangerous or reckless things while using or because of the behaviour.

  • Psychological signs

    • Fixation: Spending a lot of time thinking about or trying to get the substance or engage in the behaviour.
    • Using it as an escape: Turning to the substance or behaviour to deal with stress, anxiety, or tough feelings.

  • Physical signs

    • Needing more: Finding you need to use more of the substance or engage in the behaviour to get the same buzz.
    • Withdrawal symptoms Experiencing physical or emotional symptoms when you can’t use the substance or behaviour.

  • Attempts to change

    • Unsuccessful attempts to stop: Repeatedly trying to quit or cut back without success.
    • Continued use despite problems: Continuing to use or engage in the behaviour even though it’s causing problems in your life.

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What causes addiction

Causes

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Addiction can develop due to a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. People often turn to substances or behaviours to manage stress, trauma, or mental health issues, which can create a difficult-to-break cycle of dependence. Underlying emotional struggles, such as anxiety or depression, can also increase the risk of addiction. Additionally, early exposure to substances or certain behaviors can influence the development of addictive patterns.

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Voice

First, recovery is achievable – there is hope for people struggling with problematic substance use. Second, treatment needs to be holistic – it needs to consider the biological, psychological, social and spiritual needs of the individual. Third, treatment should be global – it must look beyond the direct needs of the individual to their social context, family and community. Fourth, while some individuals appear to recover without any professional help, for most therapeutic relationships are essential.

- Dr Peter Hillen, social worker and researcher

Peter Hillen

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Getting help

Whatever the addiction, there are lots of ways you can seek help. 

  • NHS Services

    Your GP can provide initial support, discuss treatment options, and refer you to specialised NHS addiction services.

    You can also find local NHS drug and alcohol services through the NHS website, which offers assessments, treatment, and support. Visit the NHS website to find your local service.

  • Helplines and Online Resources

    Turning Point

    Turning Point provides support for people with substance misuse issues. They offer a wide range of services, including detox, counseling, and harm reduction programs.

    Adfam

    Adfam focuses on supporting the families of those affected by addiction. They offer resources, support groups, and advice to help families cope with a loved one’s addiction.

    FRANK

    FRANK offers confidential advice and information about drugs. They provide guidance on where to get help, support for friends and family, and a 24/7 helpline.

    Release

    Release provides legal advice and support for people dealing with drug-related issues. They offer a national helpline, legal assistance, and information on drug laws and rights.

    Action on Addiction

    Action on Addiction offers treatment, education, and support for individuals and families affected by addiction. They provide residential rehab, community-based treatment, and family support services.

  • Self-help groups

    If you’re dealing with drug or alcohol issues, joining a self-help group like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous could be helpful. These groups offer support and connect you with others who’ve gone through similar experiences.

    You can usually join these groups on your own, but if you’re having trouble reaching out, your doctor or a local drug and alcohol service can help. They might also be able to support you by going to your first meeting with you.

    If someone you love is struggling with addiction, Al-Anon provides support for families and friends of people struggling.

Services to support you

All substance use can be problematic, but using regularly, struggling to cope without, and finding that drugs or alcohol are interfering with daily life, are clear indicators you should seek help and support.
Dr Kelly Charge

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