Addiction means having a powerful urge to do, take or use something. This can be to a point where it is harmful to you or the people around you.
Addiction is common. It can affect your mental health.
Certain things can increase your risk of an addiction, including:
- difficult life situations
- mental health difficulties, such as depression or anxiety
This is because you may do, take or use things to help you cope.
These include work, internet, social media, gaming, solvents, shopping, sex, drugs, alcohol, and nicotine.
But help is available.
Causes of addiction
There are lots of reasons why an addiction begins. In the case of drugs, alcohol and nicotine, these substances affect the way you feel, physically and mentally. These feelings can be enjoyable and create a powerful urge to use the substances again.
Gambling may result in a similar mental high after a win, followed by a strong urge to try again and recreate that feeling. This can develop into a habit that becomes very hard to stop.
Being addicted to something means you have withdrawal symptoms, or a "come down" when you do not have it. Because this can be unpleasant, it's easier to carry on having or doing what you crave, and so the cycle continues.
Often, an addiction gets out of control because you need more and more to satisfy a craving and achieve the high.
How an addiction can affect you
Addiction can affect people in different ways.
It could impact on:
- your relationships, work life or studies
- how you think, feel and behave
- your physical and mental health
Using illegal drugs could also get you into trouble with the law.
Signs of addiction
Signs of addiction include:
- a strong urge to take a substance
- focusing on and spending much of your time on doing, taking or using something
- continuing even though you know it is harmful
- cravings
- needing more to get the same effects - known as tolerance
- withdrawal symptoms - feeling unwell when you stop using, taking or doing something
- giving up other activities
- repeated attempts to quit
- needing more to get the same feeling
- using, taking or doing something to stop feelings or emotions
- neglecting (not giving enough time to) other areas of your life such as relationships, your health, work, school or college
Types of addiction
When people hear the word addiction they often think of:
Drugs
A drug addiction is when you have an uncontrollable urge to take illegal drugs or prescription medicines. Alcohol and nicotine are also types of drugs.
Alcohol
Alcohol dependence affects different people in different ways.
If you are dependent on alcohol, you may drink:
- a lot of the time
- first thing in the morning
- every evening
- every day
Ways to cut down drinking to improve your mental health
Smoking
You can become addicted to nicotine by smoking cigarettes or vaping.
The cravings you have depend on:
- how often you smoke
- how long you have smoked
Gambling
A gambling addiction is when you have an uncontrollable urge to keep gambling despite the negative impact it has on your life.
If you think that you may have a problem with gambling, talk to your GP or healthcare provider to get support.
Treating compulsive gambling can be challenging because many people have a hard time admitting that they have a problem. Accepting that there is a problem is an important step in treatment and recovery.
Gambling addiction advice and support - gamblingcare.ie
Other types of addiction
You can also have an addiction to the following things.
Work
Some people are obsessed with their work - they may think about work a lot and choose to work extra hours.
You may find:
- your relationship, family and social life are affected
- you never take holidays
Internet and social media
If you spend hours each day and night using the internet or social media you may neglect other parts of your life.
Gaming
You may have a gaming addiction if you find it hard to control how often you play video games.
This can:
- lead you to avoid school or work
- damage your relationships with family and friends
Solvents
Solvent addiction can happen when you inhale substances such as glue, aerosols, petrol or lighter fuel to feel intoxicated (drunk).
Shopping
Shopping becomes an addiction when you buy things you do not need or want. This is quickly followed by feelings of guilt, shame or despair.
Sex
Sex addiction is when your sexual behaviour:
- feels out of control
- causes distress to you or others
- affects your life and relationships
What is sexual behaviour?
Examples of sexual behaviour include:
- fantasizing about sex
- sexual acts
- watching pornography
- using sexually explicit language or sending sexual messages (sexting)
You can get non-judgemental advice and support from Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
Eating disorders
An eating disorder is when you have an unhealthy relationship with food that affects your eating habits. Eating disorders can sometimes be linked to addictive behaviour.
Types of eating disorder include:
Get help for an addiction
To get help with any type of addiction talk to your GP for advice.
You can also talk to someone at a helpline or listening service.
Drugs and alcohol helpline
For support, information or advice on treatment options, contact the drugs and alcohol helpline.
Freephone: 1800 459 459
Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm
Email: helpline@hse.ie
Addiction counselling
It may help to talk to trained therapist who specialises in addiction, such as a counsellor, psychologist or psychotherapist.
Get talk therapy (counselling and psychotherapy)
Support groups
It may help to talk to other people with addictive behaviours at a peer support group.
You can get peer group support for any type of addiction, including:
- gaming
- gambling
- shopping
- alcohol
- drugs
Support can be in-person or online.
Find a meeting - smartrecovery.ie