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About
Addiction
Addiction means not
having control over doing, taking or using something, to the
point that it may be harmful.
Common addictions include
addictions to alcohol or drugs, but it is possible to become
addicted to anything, from gambling to chocolate. You cannot
control how you use whatever you are addicted to, and you become
dependent on it to get through daily life.
From habit to
addiction
Some people regularly use
substances without any problems. Other people experience
damaging psychological and physical effects as their habit turns
into an addiction.
Being unable to control
the use of a substance can also put a lot of strain on
relationships with others and can cause problems at work, school
or home.
There is no single reason
why addictions develop. Addictions to substances such as
alcohol, drugs and nicotine change the way we feel, both
mentally and physically. Some people enjoy this and feel a
strong desire to repeat it.
Activities such as
gambling may cause a 'high' if you win, followed by a desire to
repeat the success. Eventually, it grows into a habit that
cannot be broken because it has become a regular part of life.
Dependency and
tolerance
Being addicted to a
substance usually means you are dependent on it to some degree.
Not having the substance you enjoy (withdrawal) becomes less
pleasant than having it.
The more you use it, the
more tolerant the body becomes until you need to use larger and
more frequent amounts of the substance to get the same effect.
At-risk groups
Children who grow up in
homes where there is alcohol or drug abuse may be more likely to
develop addictions. Unemployment, poverty and lack of education
can trigger addictions, as can stress and professional or
emotional pressure. Indulging in the addiction can be a
short-term way of dealing with and forgetting about difficult
issues.
Treatment and support
Many different
organisations in the UK provide treatment, support and advice
for people with addictions. Many people consult their GP first,
but help is also available from community addiction centres,
where you can drop in without an appointment.
Treatment and support are
provided from a range of different people, including specialist
addiction nurses, counsellors and psychiatrists.
Local support groups give
you the chance to meet other people with similar
experiences.
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