What is Addiction?

What is Addiction?

There are many different interpretations of addiction; we like to keep it simple:

"Is drink or drugs costing you more than money?”

Once the benefit of excessive drinking or drug use has been out weighed by the cost then the slide into ‘problem drinking’ has been made.

Problem drinking can then slide quickly into alcoholism or addiction which is a disease and needs clinical treatment to overcome.  The disease is often progressive and fatal and is characterized by continuous or periodic impaired control over drinking, preoccupation with alcohol or drugs, use of alcohol or drugs despite adverse consequences, and distortions in thinking, most notably denial. 

You do not have to drink or use everyday to necessarily be an alcoholic or addict, alcoholics and addicts can stop drinking for a period of time, its staying stopped that is the problem.

Alcohol or drugs are usually the symptom of the problem but not the actual problem, the real problem of addiction is how someone thinks and feels which is so unpleasant that alcohol and drugs are consistently used to ‘numb’ or anesthetises this experience.  Once an ‘emotional re-arrangement’ has taken place and an individual feels entirely different and begins to see the world and themselves from a much more positive point of view then the desire to drink and use drugs is removed and a far more productive and successful way of living is entered into.

Alcoholics or addicts are not bad people; they are sick people who need treatment. 

Ask yourself the following questions?

1. Have people commented on or criticized your drinking or drug use?
2. Have you tried cutting down or stopping and failed repeatedly?
3. Have you woken up feeling confused, frightened or depressed on a regular basis after drinking or using?
4. Have you dropped hobbies or interests because of your drinking or drug use?
5. Do you use drink or drugs to self-medicate your feelings when you feel uncomfortable, frightened or insecure?
6. Is your alcohol or drug use becoming more frequent or the amount you use increasing?

If you answer yes to 3 or more of these question then you may have a problem with alcohol or drugs and should seek professional advice.

If you think that you may be an alcoholic or addict then please contact us for help. If you're still not sure then please click on the link below for further information.

• Am I an Alcoholic or Addict?