Addiction
Difficulties We Work With
What is Addiction?
Addiction is characterised by recurrent use of a substance or activity, which leads to impairment or distress. Addictions can encompass a number of things, such as alcohol, drugs, as well as behaviours such as gambling or video games. Addictions can impact many different age groups and demographics.
Signs that substance use, gambling or video gaming may have become an addiction include:
- Unsuccessful attempts at quitting or cutting down
- Difficulty meeting responsibilities or disrupts obligations at work, school or home
- Using more than intended
- Use of the substance or activity as a coping mechanism
- Feeling sick or moody without the substance or activity
- Using the substance/activity in larger amounts or for a longer period of time than was intended
- A strong craving or desire to use the substance/engage in the activity
- Continuing to use the substance/activity despite the social or interpersonal problems it causes.
- Needing to increase amounts of the substance to achieve the desired effect
- Borrowing money from others to continue
Explore Other Difficulties
- Addiction
- ADHD
- Adjustment Disorder
- Anger
- Anxiety
- Behavioural Difficulties
- Bipolar Disorder
- Depression
- Developmental Disorders
- Coping With Medical Conditions
- Eating Disorders
- Family Stress
- Grief and Loss
- Infertility or Pregnancy Loss
- Low Self Esteem
- Perinatal Anxiety and Depression
- Personality Disorders
- Separation and Mediation
- School Refusal
- Self Harm
- Sleep Problems
- Stress
- Trauma