Recognising and managing addiction
Addiction is an inability to stop something that is actively damaging your wellbeing and harming your relationships with others.
It is commonly associated with alcohol, smoking, drugs and gambling, however, you can be addicted to just about anything, including work, the internet, unhealthy foods, eating or shopping. These behaviours can sometimes lead to addiction, causing physical, mental or financial harm. This can often spiral out of control and be hard to manage.
However, addiction is treatable and there are ways to treat the underlying cause and impulsive behaviours before they get any worse. Contact your GP if you suspect you may have a dependency.
How to identify addiction
- Unable to stay away from a specific substance or behaviour
- Relationships or your career is suffering
- Taking risks or committing crime to gain access to the substance or behaviour
- Feeling withdrawals or ‘come downs’ after indulging in said behaviour
Treatments could include…
Treatments will depend on your individual circumstances and needs, but could include:
- Talking therapies (such as CBT)
- Treatment with medicines
- Detox treatments
- Self help and support groups
- Harm reduction tactics