What is Addiction?

When life spins out of control, sometimes there is an urge to look outside of yourself for something to make it feel better because the challenges seem too overwhelming to face. Whether it’s drugs, alcohol or gambling, the “interventions” in which we choose to engage might make us feel better quickly, which can make it seem like our intervention is working. You might feel as though the activity gives you more confidence and a much-needed distraction from the challenges you’re experiencing. But sometimes, these seemingly short-term solutions to life’s challenges make our lives spin even more out of control. Over time, you may need more and more of the substance or activity to make you feel better. You might also start to experience negative changes to your body and your brain, and significant disruption in your relationships, work life, and health.

An addiction is a strong and compulsive need to have, or do, something repeatedly that is typically harmful to you in some way.

There are many different kinds of addictions. but the most common ones include alcohol, drugs (prescription or recreational), gambling, sex, and shopping.