Addiction
Addiction is a condition where a person becomes dependent on a substance or behaviour and finds it very difficult to stop, even when it causes harm. It often involves a strong craving or compulsion to keep using something, like alcohol, drugs, gambling, or even activities like gaming or shopping.
Key features of addiction:
- Loss of control: Difficulty stopping or reducing the behaviour or substance use
- Cravings: Intense urges to use or engage in the behaviour
- Continued use despite harm: Persisting even when it negatively affects health, relationships, work, or finances
- Physical or psychological dependence: Withdrawal symptoms when stopping, or feeling anxious or restless without it
Addiction is considered a complex brain disorder influenced by genetics, environment, and personal factors. It often requires professional treatment, which may include therapy, medication, and support groups.
What causes addictions?
There are lots of reasons why addictions begin. In the case of drugs, alcohol and nicotine, these substances affect the way you feel, both physically and mentally. These feelings can be enjoyable and create a powerful urge to use the substances again.
Gambling may result in a similar mental "high" after a win, followed by a strong urge to try again and recreate that feeling. This can develop into a habit that becomes very hard to stop.
Being addicted to something means that not having it causes withdrawal symptoms, or a "come down". Because this can be unpleasant, it's easier to carry on having or doing what you crave, and so the cycle continues.
Often, an addiction gets out of control because you need more and more to satisfy a craving and achieve the "high".
Getting Help:
Addiction is a treatable condition. Whatever the addiction, there are lots of ways you can seek help. You could see your GP for advice or contact an organisation that specialises in helping people with addictions.
To speak to someone anonymously about any type of addiction, you can call the Samaritans free on 116 123.