Compulsive, obsessive and excessive, that’s an addiction

It is most commonly associated with drugs and alcohol, but addiction is something that can affect people from all walks of life, including those who have never tried alcohol or taken a drug in their lives.

The word addiction is generally used to describe an obsession, compulsion or excessive dependence on something, such as substances like drugs and alcohol. People can also become addicted to behaviours, ranging from eating disorders to vandalising and stealing, gambling and video-game addiction, excessive use of the internet, chatting or texting, and even exercising.

How do people become addicted? Many people turn to drugs or alcohol as a means to deal with traumatic or depressing experiences, using it as a way to escape pain or sadness. The problem however is that these same substances lead to addictive behaviour, which only reinforces the problems they were trying to escape from in the first place. For example, a person who turns to drugs to deal with depression will often become more depressed because of their addiction.

How do you overcome an addiction? There are many forms of addiction treatment available. The most important step in beating an addiction is to seek expert counselling. Find out what is available in your community and get treatment. Medical services and GPs carry information on a range of addictions and relevant services to help manage and overcome them.

How can you tell if someone has an addiction? Here are some signs that may indicate that someone you know has an addiction: