What is Addiction?
Addiction is a complex condition; a brain disease that is manifested by compulsive substance use despite harmful consequence. People with addiction (severe substance use disorder) have an intense focus on using a certain substance(s), such as alcohol or drugs, to the point that it takes over their life.
They keep using alcohol or a drug even when they know it will cause problems. People can develop an addiction to:
Substance Use Disorder – Drugs & Alcohol
People with a substance use disorder have distorted thinking, behaviour and body functions. Changes in the brain’s wiring are what cause people to have intense cravings for the drug and make it hard to stop using the drug. Brain imaging studies show changes in the areas of the brain that relate to judgment, decision making, learning, memory and behaviour control.
These substances can cause harmful changes in how the brain functions. These changes can last long after the immediate effects of the drug — the intoxication. Intoxication is the intense pleasure, calm, increased senses or a high caused by the drug. Intoxication symptoms are different for each substance.
Over time people with addiction build up a tolerance, meaning they need larger amounts to feel the effects. According to the National Institute on Drug use, people begin taking drugs for a variety of reasons, including:
Symptoms of substance use disorder are grouped into four categories:
People with addictive disorders may be aware of their problem but be unable to stop it even if they want to. The addiction may cause health problems as well as problems at work and with family members and friends. The misuse of drugs and alcohol is the leading cause of preventable illnesses and premature death.
Many people experience both mental illness and addiction. The mental illness may be present before the addiction. Or the addiction may trigger or make a mental disorder worse.
To find out more about drugs and the impact they may have on your physical and mental health please visit – www.talktofrank.com.
Throughout Northern Ireland there are many effective treatments available, and people can recover from addiction and lead normal, productive lives. Please visit the Public Health Agency Minding Your Head website for further information and support: Drugs and alcohol | Minding Your Head
Additional resources (you may find helpful are provided below:
NI Drug and Alcohol Treatment and Support services – Treatment and support services | Northern Ireland Drug and Alcohol Services
Drugs and Alcohol – pha | NI – This is the PHA website that contains information of support services and also training available.
Alcohol and You – BAT-MENTAL-SINGLES.pdf
‘Helping you take control’ – Low Threshold Services A6 Leaflet 02_18_final.pdf
Focus on Alcohol – Focus on alcohol A5 Booklet 11_24 final.pdf
Mixing – reduce your risk of harm – Mixing drugs leaflet final 02.23.pdf
Gambling
The effects of addiction to gambling can be devastating to the individual as well as their family, friends, workplace and community. Gambling addiction is linked to a range of personal and social issues including depression and suicide, bankruptcy, family breakup, domestic abuse, assault, fraud, theft, and homelessness.
People with gambling problems may cover up or lie when asked where they have been, or where money has gone. This makes problem gambling hard to identify. Families often know something is wrong — but not what is wrong. You could be living or working with a compulsive gambler and not know it until the problems are out of control.
Counselling is the first step to regaining control of the problems that gambling has caused and is the best way to find a long-term solution.
The following organisations have information and resources relating to Gambling that you may find helpful:
Problem Gambling Service – Dunlewey Addiction Services
Help for problems with gambling – NHS
Gam-Anon UK and Ireland – Gam-Anon GamAnon UK Ireland England Wales
