Addiction
When the use of a substance or certain behavior begins to control your life, you may have an addiction.
In the case of an addiction disorder, a person is no longer able to control their use of a substance (such as alcohol, tobacco and nicotine products, drugs, medicines) or certain behaviors (such as gambling or using a smart device), even though it harms them or others.
Addiction develops over time and affects the person's brain in such a way that they develop a habit or even a need to repeat the activity. Often, the addictive substance or activity is used to relieve tension or hide feelings of discomfort.
In the case of an addiction disorder, a person is no longer able to control their use of a substance (such as alcohol, tobacco and nicotine products, drugs, medicines) or certain behaviors (such as gambling or using a smart device), even though it harms them or others.
Addiction develops over time and affects the person's brain in such a way that they develop a habit or even a need to repeat the activity. Often, the addictive substance or activity is used to relieve tension or hide feelings of discomfort.
The most common signs of addiction are:
a very strong urge to use or do something, even if you don't want to;
difficulty limiting use/behavior;
the need to do it more and more or more often to feel the same effect;
feeling bad or experiencing withdrawal symptoms when unable to use/do it;
life begins to revolve around it – work, relationships, and health may suffer.
The most common signs of addiction are:
a very strong urge to use or do something, even if you don't want to;
difficulty limiting use/behavior;
the need to do it more and more or more often to feel the same effect;
feeling bad or experiencing withdrawal symptoms when unable to use/do it;
life begins to revolve around it – work, relationships, and health may suffer.
The development of an addiction disorder can be influenced by, for example:
- heredity – if there is a history of addiction in the family;
- feelings and experiences – such as anxiety, stress, sadness, trauma;
- the surrounding environment – whether the substance or activity is easily accessible, what the habits of friends or family are;
- life events – severe stress, loss, loneliness, difficult changes.
Recovery from addiction does not happen overnight. It requires the person's own decision and will to change, but also an environment that is supportive and non-judgmental.
Treatment for addiction does not only mean giving up the substance or behavior – it means learning how to cope with feelings, stress, relationships, and everyday life without using the substance or engaging in the behavior.
The development of an addiction disorder can be influenced by, for example:
- heredity – if there is a history of addiction in the family;
- feelings and experiences – such as anxiety, stress, sadness, trauma;
- the surrounding environment – whether the substance or activity is easily accessible, what the habits of friends or family are;
- life events – severe stress, loss, loneliness, difficult changes.
Recovery from addiction does not happen overnight. It requires the person's own decision and will to change, but also an environment that is supportive and non-judgmental.
Treatment for addiction does not only mean giving up the substance or behavior – it means learning how to cope with feelings, stress, relationships, and everyday life without using the substance or engaging in the behavior.
The development of an addiction disorder can be influenced by, for example:
- heredity – if there is a history of addiction in the family;
- feelings and experiences – such as anxiety, stress, sadness, trauma;
- the surrounding environment – whether the substance or activity is easily accessible, what the habits of friends or family are;
- life events – severe stress, loss, loneliness, difficult changes.
Recovery from addiction does not happen overnight. It requires the person's own decision and will to change, but also an environment that is supportive and non-judgmental.
Treatment for addiction does not only mean giving up the substance or behavior – it means learning how to cope with feelings, stress, relationships, and everyday life without using the substance or engaging in the behavior.
Options for getting help
When should you seek help?
It is worth seeking help if:
- you feel that you have lost control over your use or behavior;
- your use is harming your health, relationships, or work;
- you have tried to quit before but have relapsed;
- your loved ones are expressing concern and you even feel that something is wrong.
Where to turn for help?
1
Your first point of contact could be your family doctor – they will listen, support you, and refer you to further help if necessary.
2
A psychiatrist or psychologist can help you assess the situation and find the right treatment – this may include counseling, therapy, or medication.
3
Support groups and peer counselors—such as Anonymous Alcoholics (AA), Drug Addicts Anonymous (DA) or gambling support groups—offer support from people who have been through a similar experience.
4
Motivational therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy help people find new ways of coping.