What is Addiction
Addiction comes in many forms and doesn’t have to be related to a substance, as our understanding of addiction grows, so does our definition. When we usually think about addiction we think of it with a negative undertone, but this isn’t necessarily the case. We can all think of examples, such as a person who becomes very irritable if they don’t go to the gym, this could be considered a positive activity with a negative outcome if the addiction isn’t sustained.
Examples of addiction
- Substance misuse
- Gambling beyond your means
- Obsession with training
- Video games
- Social media
- Sex / Masturbation
- Food (over and under eating)
- Smoking
All these things can be addictive, as can anything. When any action becomes unhealthy, or a problem in your day-to-day life, this is a form of addiction. When we look at addiction in this way, we can see all the different ways we can become dependent on substances or activities, and how a lot can slip under the radar, due to the nature of the addiction potentially being a positive for most people.
If you or someone you know struggles with addiction, here are some local and national services that may be able to help.
https://www.england.nhs.uk/?s=addiction
https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/if-youre-having-difficult-time/other-sources-help/
https://www.samaritans.org/branches/wigan/
https://www.wigan.gov.uk/LINC2/Survival-Guide/Health-and-wellbeing/Smoking.aspx
https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/services/wigan-leigh-for-young-people-wigan/
