Addiction Support
Addiction Support: Help is Available
Addiction is a complex condition, where a person potentially loses control over a behaviour or substance use, which can negatively impact various aspects of life, including relationships, work, and health. Whether it involves substances like alcohol, drugs, or tobacco, or behaviours such as gambling, addiction requires attention and support to overcome.
Types of Addiction
Addiction can take many forms, including:
Substance Addiction: Alcohol, drugs, tobacco, or prescription medication.
Behavioural Addiction: Gambling, internet use, shopping, or compulsive behaviours.
For substances like alcohol or nicotine, the addiction is often rooted in physical and psychological dependency. The cycle of craving and withdrawal can be difficult to break without the right support and treatment. In gambling addiction, the thrill of winning can fuel repeated behaviour, making it hard for individuals to stop.
Signs of Addiction
Recognising the signs of addiction is key to getting help early. These signs include:
Neglecting relationships or responsibilities.
Using substances or engaging in certain behaviours to cope with stress or emotional pain.
Repeated attempts to quit but struggling to do so.
Addiction can escalate over time, leading to serious health and emotional consequences. But recovery is possible with the right treatment.
How to Get Help
The NHS offers a range of services to help those struggling with addiction, including substance abuse and gambling. Treatment can involve a combination of therapy, medication, and support from family and friends.
Seek Professional Help: Contact your GP, who can refer you to specialist addiction services. You can also directly reach out to addiction support services.
Specialist Services: For substance addiction, treatments may include medications to ease withdrawal symptoms, or programs like detoxification. Behavioural therapy and support groups are essential parts of recovery. Gambling addiction can be treated at NHS gambling treatment clinics, where you can receive therapy and counselling.
Support Networks: There are numerous charities and helplines available.
Support for Gambling
If gambling is causing problems, support is available. NHS clinics across England specialise in treating gambling-related harms. These clinics offer counselling, therapy, and family support to help you recover. Charities such as GamCare provide free helplines, and GamStop can help you block access to online gambling sites
Additional Resources
There are many more resources and support networks for different types of addiction, including:
Samaritans (Confidential emotional support)
Gamblers Anonymous (12-step recovery program for gambling)
National Debtline (Financial advice for those affected by gambling or other addictions)
Primary Care Gambling Service (National service providing help for gambling addiction)
Take Action
If you or someone you care about is struggling with addiction, it’s important to take action. The earlier you seek help, the more effective treatment will be. Whether through the NHS, charities, or helplines, there is support available to guide you through the recovery process.
For more information and resources, visit the NHS Addiction Support Page