Addiction is a complex disease, often chronic in nature, which affects the functioning of the brain and body. There is a range in the severity of substance problems: from mild to moderate to severe. The most common symptoms of addiction are severe loss of control. Addiction can be effectively prevented, treated and managed by healthcare professionals in combination with family or peer support. It may involve the use of substances such as alcohol, inhalants, opioids, cocaine, nicotine etc.; these substances affect the way you feel, both physically and mentally.
The lack of ability to tolerate distress or other strong feelings is linked to addiction. Individuals can achieve improved physical, psychological, and social functioning on their own, so called natural recovery.
The symptoms that indicate you, or someone you know, have an addiction include:
- Repeating something even though it interferes with your life
- Stealing or selling things to continue the addictive behaviour
- Losing interest in other things
- Being angry, violent, moody, or depressed
- Seeing changes in eating habits, sleeping habits, or weight
- Feeling sick or shaky when trying to quit