Addiction

If you have an addiction, you're not alone. Addiction can be defined as not having control, regular use, taking or using something to the point where it could be harmful to you. Addiction is most commonly associated with gambling, drugs, alcohol, and nicotine, but it's possible to be addicted to just about anything, including:

Drugs & Alcohol: Realising you have a problem with drug or alcohol is the first big step to getting help. You may need help if you often feel the need to use drugs or have a drink, your using has a negative impact on your life, other people warn you about how much you're drinking or using drugs. With the right help and support, it's possible for you to either get drug free, or reduce the harm of drug use and stay that way.

Gambling: Being a compulsive gambler can harm your health and relationships, and leave you in serious debt.

Work: Some people are obsessed with their work to the extent that they become physically exhausted; if your relationship, family and social life are affected and you never take holidays, you may be addicted to work.

Internet: As computer and mobile phone use has increased, so too have computer and internet addictions; people may spend hours each day and night surfing the internet or gaming while neglecting other aspects of their lives.

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.

Sex: Like those who misuse drugs and alcohol, sex addicts are unable to stop their self-destructive sexual behaviour. These behaviours vary: compulsive masturbation, pornography, affairs, paying for sex or being paid, voyeurism, exhibitionism, unsafe sex, and abusive sex just to name a few. Family breakups, sexual diseases and other health consequences, financial disaster, loss of jobs, and risk to life are often the painful themes of these narratives.