What does it mean to have an addiction?
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An addiction is when a person has lost control over doing, taking or using something. It’s possible to become addicted to anything, but some addictions are more damaging than others.
What are addictions?
A person who is addicted to something can’t control how they use it, or need it to get through everyday life.
Addictions can be to substances, like alcohol, tobacco or other drugs, or to behaviours, like gambling or extreme exercise.
Addictions are a problem when they start to affect health in a bad way or interfere with a person’s ability to lead a normal life, as well as the people around them.
Why do addictions happen?
A person might start to take a drug or engage in an activity because it’s enjoyable and not have a problem with it at first.
They might do it because they feel it helps them relax or to cope with stress by covering up bad feelings.
As time goes by, the person might find they need to do or take more of a thing to get the same effect. They can soon feel they nee...
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