MHAP_Southampton_23_05

General
Addiction:
What is it?
If you have an addiction, you’re not alone. According to
the charity Action on Addiction, one in three of us are
addicted to something.
Addiction is defined as not having control over doing,
taking or using something to the point where it could
be harmful to you. Addiction is most commonly
associated with gambling, drugs, alcohol & nicotine,
but it’s possible to be addicted to just about anything,
including:
work – workaholics are obsessed with their work
to the extent that they suffer physical exhaustion. If
your relationship, family & social life are suffering &
you never take holidays, you may be a work addict.
internet – as computer & mobile phone use
has increased, so too have computer & internet
addictions. People may spend hours each day
& night surfing the internet or gaming while
neglecting other aspects of their lives.
solvents – volatile substance abuse is when you
inhale substances such as glue, aerosols, petrol
or lighter fuel to give you a feeling of intoxication.
Solvent abuse can be fatal.
shopping – shopping becomes an addiction when
you buy things you don’t need or want to achieve
a buzz. This is quickly followed by feelings of guilt,
shame or despair.
What causes addictions?
There are lots of reasons why addictions begin.
In the case of drugs, alcohol & nicotine, these
substances affect the way you feel, both physically &
mentally. These feelings can be enjoyable & 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 &
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, & so
the cycle continues.
Often, an addiction gets out of control because
you need more & more to satisfy a craving &
achieve the “high”.
How addictions can affect you:
The strain of managing an addiction can seriously
damage your work life & relationships. In the case
of substance abuse (for example, drugs & alcohol),
an addiction can have serious psychological &
physical effects.
Some studies suggest addiction is genetic, but
environmental factors, such as being around
other people with addictions, are also thought to
increase the risk.
An addiction can be a way of blocking out difficult
issues. Unemployment & poverty can trigger addiction,
along with stress & emotional or professional pressure.
Getting help for addictions:
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.
Alcohol addiction services - Alcoholics Anonymous
0845 769 7555 www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk
Drug addiction services - Narcotics Anonymous
0300 999 1212 www.ukna.org.uk
Gambling addiction services - Gamblers
Anonymous UK www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
Stop smoking services - SmokeFree 0300 1231044
Rehab 4 Addiction - free helpline dedicated to
assisting those suffering from drug, alcohol and
mental health problems. Tel: 0800 140 4690
www.rehab4addiction.co.uk
To speak to someone anonymously about any kind
of addiction, you can also call the Samaritans on 116
123 – 24 hour helpline. Other helpful contacts can be
found on our Mental Health Glossary on pages
22 - 25.
www.mhap.co.uk 3