Addiction isn’t just about junkies. All sorts of people are addicted, whether to illegal drugs or over the counter medication, to alcohol or cigarettes, or even to specific behaviours such as gambling or shopping (although this is commonly referred to as compulsive behaviour).

Overcoming substance abuse is well known to be very difficult, even for people in a position to go through a detox programme or enter drug rehab. Withdrawal symptoms can be extremely unpleasant and overwhelming.

Addiction also has a devestating effect on relationships and mental health. Taking drugs can cause, or bring out, mental health problems such as depression, bipolar disorder, social anxiety disorder, paranoia, obsessive compulsive disorder (ocd) and schizophrenia.

But addictions can also come about because people are trying to cope with, or escape from, their problems. Eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia are addictive or compulsive behaviours that can be just as hard to overcome.

And of course, some people find that they have unwittingly become addicts, when they try to stop taking pain killers or come of antidepressants.

Learn about all kinds of treatments and rehabiltation options, such as treatment for cocaine and heroin addiction (perhaps with methadone or suboxone), beating and overcoming the effects of alcohol abuse, or getting help to quit smoking.

Find information about different treatment centres and helplines.

DISCLAIMERS:

This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, competent clinical examination or a healthcare professional’s knowledge. Please seek professional medical advice when considering any new course of treatment. Be aware that different treatments may affect individuals in a variety of ways and that what works for one person may not work for another. Likewise a medicine that causes problems for one person may produce good results for another and remember that some medications may interact with other drugs and even food stuffs. The comments posted on this site represent the views of individuals and do not constitute our endorsement of any product or service. Whilst we have made every effort to ensure that the articles published on this site are accurate and supported by clinical research, they are for information purposes only and do not constitute a recommendation and should not be relied upon when making desicions about your health care.

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