What is addiction?
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 and smoking, but it's possible to be addicted to just about anything.
There are lots of reasons why addictions begin. In the case of drugs and alcohol, they affect the way you feel, both physically and mentally. These substances give you a feeling of wellbeing that lasts for a short time. This can be enjoyable and may make you feel like you can cope more easily with problems you are experiencing.
Taking substances becomes a problem when you start to depend on them - when you feel you need to take a substance to feel good, or to feel less bad.
Dr John Marsden from the National Addiction Centre talks about what causes people to become addicted.
Substance misuse
Misuse refers to the use of illegal drugs and the misuse, whether deliberate or unintentional, of other drugs, including alcohol and substances such as solvents. Substance misuse can harm the misuser both physically and mentally and, through the misuser’s actions, other people and the environment.
Misuse covers three main areas:
- Inappropriate use, where use may aggravate an existing condition or situation, or is done in potentially dangerous or inappropriate circumstances
- Habitual use, where the individual becomes dependent on the effects of the substance to the extent that the desire for these effects becomes a dominant concern, to the detriment of other aspects of their life
- Excessive use, which can lead to physical and mental illness, or antisocial behaviour.
The effects of substance misuse can manifest in many ways both physically and mentally. When it becomes an addiction, you may feel that you are unable to prioritise the things that were once important to you in the same way. Addiction can get in the way of success at work or at college/university, and can make it impossible to maintain healthy relationships with the people you care about.
If you think you may be addicted to alcohol or drugs, ask yourself the following questions in this self-screening questionnaire.
Remember, the first step to recovery is to acknowledge that there is a problem and seeking support. Substance misuse can be life changing. Help and support is available.