Addiction is a chronic condition where an individual becomes physical and/or psychologically dependent on a substance or behaviour to the extent that it could be harmful to them. Addiction can affect:

·       Brain reward and motivation systems

·       Decision-making and self-control

·       Emotional regulation

Addiction is not a sign of weakness or low self-restraint. Instead, it is a medically recognised disorder that is influenced by biological, psychological and social risk factors. Addiction is a treatable condition and many people can and do recover.

Addiction can be categorised into two broad types: substance addictions and behavioural addictions.

Alcohol:

Approximately 4.9% of adults are estimated to have alcohol use disorder, making it one of the most common addictions worldwide. Alcohol use disorder (or alcohol addiction) is categorised by a harmful pattern of drinking that can lead to physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms and difficulty controlling alcohol consumption. Alcohol use disorder can have significant effects on an individual’s mental, physical and social well-being, with associated risks including liver disease, heart conditions, anxiety, depression and social withdrawal.

Tobacco and Nicotine Addiction:

Approximately 22.5% of adults globally are regular smokers, with tobacco use continuing to be one of the world’s leading causes of death. Regular nicotine use, through cigarettes, vapes or tobacco products, changes the brain’s chemistry to create strong cravings and cultivate dependence. Tobacco and nicotine addiction is associated with lung disease, heart problems, increased stress, reduced energy and respiratory issues.

Prescription Drug Addiction:

Prescription drug addiction is defined by a dependence on medications such as opioid painkillers, sedatives or stimulants. This often begins with legitimate medical use of these medications, however many individuals  continue to depend on prescribed medications after their original ailment has healed.

Illegal/ Psychoactive Drug Addiction:

This includes dependence on substances such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis and MDMA. Illegal drug addiction is thought to affect approximately 3.5% of the population and is associated with physical harm, overdose, mental ill-health, financial instability and occupational risks.

Gambling Addiction:

Approximately 1.4 million people in the UK experience gambling addiction. The anticipation of winning creates a natural dopamine release that become addictive, yet this compulsive urge to gamble can often lead to emotional, financial and social ill-effects for the individual.

Internet/ Social Media Addiction:

This is defined by compulsive and uncontrolled use of the internet, apps or social media, to the extent that dependence interferes with daily life. Some recent studies suggest that as many as 10-17% of people globally are addicted to the internet, resulting in side effects such as sleep disruption, low mood and anxiety.

Gaming Addiction:

Gaming addiction describes excessive gaming to the extent where an individual may neglect other responsibilities or experience significant discomfort if they are unable to participate in gaming.

Compulsive Buying Disorder:

Shopping addiction or compulsive buying disorder refers to using uncontrolled shopping as a means to alleviate anxiety or control emotions, often irrespective of an individual’s financial situation.

Sex and Porn Addiction:

Sex and/or porn addiction is thought to affect approximately 3-6% of the population and is defined by compulsive sexual behaviours or pornography use that causes distress or interferes with daily life.

Addiction can have a serious effect on an individual’s welfare and daily life, although signs and symptoms will vary depending on the individual. Some signs and symptoms to be aware of my include:

·       Changes in work attendance or performance

·       Low mood and/ or high anxiety

·       Losing temper quickly

·       Withdrawing from responsibilities

·       High irritability or defensiveness

·       Frequent accidents

·       Paranoia or large reactions to criticism

·       Secretive or dishonest behaviours

·       Feeling distracted

·       Sudden weight loss or gain

·       Changes to physical appearance

·       Tiredness or difficulty sleeping

If you are concerned that you may be struggling with an addiction, know that you are not alone and help is available! Your GP can be a great first step in referring you to the right service to aid your recovery journey. There are also numerous other support services in Northern Ireland including:

Belfast Addiction Service: Offers a wide range of publicly funded support for adults in Belfast who misuse alcohol or drugs. Services include community-based treatment, day-treatment programmes, substitute prescribing (for those dependent on opiates), outreach for hard-to-reach individuals, relapse prevention, and supervised home detox (via GP referral).

Community Addictions Service (Northern Trust): Serves adults across parts of Northern NI — offering needs assessment, community-clinic treatment, group and 1-to-1 sessions, and, where needed, referral to inpatient or residential rehabilitation.

Local Drug & Alcohol Coordination Teams (DACTs / regional support networks): Through the official portal of Public Health Agency (PHA), people can find support services near them depending on their area. This includes services for adults, and separate lines for younger people.

Dunlewey Addiction Services: Offers free and confidential counselling and mentoring for people dealing with substance misuse or gambling issues — as well as programmes for their families. They also run youth / family support for those under 25 affected by someone else’s addiction.

Addiction NI: A longstanding charity (since the 1970s) providing person-centred addiction services across Belfast and beyond. They offer psychosocial interventions, support for adults (and older people 55+), counselling, family support, and a peer-support (“Mutual Aid Partnership”) approach.

Northlands Addiction Treatment Centre (Derry/Londonderry and NI-wide): Offers a mixture of services including residential rehab, non-residential counselling, family support, and a 2-year aftercare programme to support long-term recovery.