Addiction

This may take the form of physical and/or psychological dependence on drugs such as alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, heroine, morphine, or barbiturates, but can also take the form of psychological addictions to habitual pursuits such as gambling, shopping, stealing, sex, or the habitual use of non-physically addictive drugs such as cannabis, speed, and ecstasy.

The Signs

Addiction can cause changes in mood and behaviour; watch out for mood swings, lieing and deceitfulness and often extremely defensive responses to suggestions of a problem.

For those dependencies relating to drugs, the signs may be evident but they may also be well hidden. Look out for changes in sleeping and eating patterns and for changes in physical appearance as sufferers often let themselves go.

For the financially related addictions obviously look out for money shortages or in the case of gambling unexplainable gains in money, sudden and unexplained absences, distraction, and general changes in mood and behaviour.

Action

Sufferers of addiction are will often go to great lengths to hide their dependence due to the huge social stigma attached to it. Addicts are often extremely defensive when approached on a problem as denial is very common. Only once the person accepts that they have a problem can anything be done as they must begin the process of treatment by seeking help. A doctor is powerless unless the individual concerned makes the approach and even then they must be willing to accept the treatment.

Help Yourself- by visiting your GP, or if you prefer, by contacting a relevant helpline listed below. It may help those around you if you talk to them about your feelings and problems.

Help someone you know- by supporting them. Lecturing them will not help. It is important that you support the person but do not condone there behaviour, an approach known as ‘tough love’. Tough love involves avoiding sharing a persons problem by avoiding apologising on their behalf or bailing them out. Addicts must remain responsible for all the results of their actions. Paying off a gambler’s debts will not help them in the long run nor will clearing up after a vomiting alcoholic help them. It is tough, but it is in the interests of the person concerned if you can do this.

Remember this is a physical or mental disorder than cannot be solved over night. Addicts must go through a process of withdrawal followed by total abstention, there are no half measures. Counselling is a vital component of coming to terms with withdrawal and developing a new life.

Information and Advice

Drinkline 0345 32 02 02

Alcoholics Anonymous 0845 769 7555

Gamblers Anonymous 0171 384 3040

National Drugs Helpline 0800 77 66 00

Release Drugs Emergency Helpline 0171 603 8654