Addiction

Addiction is an illness, an illness of the brain. I have yet to meet anyone who deliberately chose to become addicted to a substance, legal or illicit, or addictive process. Addiction can be a symptom of underlying issues such as undiagnosed Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), autism, depression, anxiety, low self-worth and self-esteem. Oftentimes, trauma may lie behind addictive behaviours, whether that be a traumatic accident, an invasive operation, or sexual, psychological and emotional abuse. Addiction is a very complex issue.

Unlike cancers, dementia, and other illnesses, addictions and the people suffering from them are often subjected to stigmatisation in many societies.

Outdated, ignorant and old-fashioned concepts of feeble mindedness, lack of self-discipline and moral failing are fortunately becoming less prevalent, although they are still directed at ‘addicts’ and ‘alcoholics,’ sometimes in the most unexpected places such as the NHS. Addiction is a very democratic illness, respecting neither status, wealth, age, sex, religious or non-religious belief, ethnicity or background.

Most people suffering from dependency, whether alcohol or illicit drugs or prescription and over-the-counter medications, are usually determined, resilient, and intelligent people. In my time, I have come across a priest, teacher, GP, nurse, surgeon, vet, refuse operative, company director, policeman, paramedic, politician, lawyer, accountant, labourer, secretary. In short, people with dependencies could be anyone – they could be you.