What is addiction?

What is addiction?

Addiction is a physical or psychological need to do, take or use something, to the point where it could be harmful to you.

Why does addiction begin?

There are many 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 re-create 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'.

The strain of managing an addiction can seriously damage a person's work performance and relationships. In the case of substance abuse (for example, drugs and alcohol), an addiction can have serious psychological and physical effects.

Some studies suggest that addiction is genetic, but environmental factors, such as being brought up by someone with an addiction, are also thought to increase the risk. An addiction can be a way of blocking out difficult issues. Unemployment and poverty can trigger addiction, along with stress, and emotional or professional pressure.

Symptoms of addiction

People may or may not know they are addicted. The symptoms that indicate you, or someone you know, has an addiction include:

1. repeating something even though it interferes with your life

2. stealing or selling things to continue the addictive behaviour

3. losing interest in other things

4. being angry, violent, moody, or depressed

5. seeing changes in eating habits, sleeping habits, or weight

6. feeling sick or shaky when trying to quit.

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