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- SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ADDICTION
- SPECIALISED PROGRAMME FOR MANAGING ADDICTION: NAMS
Know someone showing signs of internet addiction, sex addiction or substance abuse? Learn to spot the signs of addictions and where to seek help.
Addiction is a chronic, progressive, and relapse-prone illness that affects a person both physically and psychologically. A person can become addicted to either substances (i.e., drugs or alcohol) or to certain activities (e.g., gambling, sex, the internet).
Addiction is characterised by the following:
- The person continues the addictive behaviour despite the negative consequences
- The frequency or intensity of the behaviour increases over time
- When the behaviour is stopped, the person experiences unpleasant feelings and emotions
Related: Smoking – Casual Habit or Addiction?
Signs of a Possible Gambling Addiction
- Gambling very frequently and for extended periods of time
- Gambling with large amounts of money
- Incurring debts as a result of gambling
- Borrowing money to gamble
- Gambling in spite of negative consequences such as huge losses, poor job performance, relationship problems
- Gambling to escape from emotional problems, worries or frustrations
- Telling lies to hide/deny the gambling habit
Signs of Possible Alcohol Addiction
- Losing control while drinking
- Feeling that drinking is getting out of hand and feeling pressure to cut down
- Feeling annoyed when people criticise drinking habits
- Having cravings to drink throughout the day, or needing alcohol to steady nerves or anxiety
- Feeling remorseful or guilty about drinking
Signs of a Possible Drug Addiction
- Being preoccupied with finding and consuming drugs
- Finding excuses to continue using drugs, despite promises to quit
- Concealing drug-taking behaviour and being afraid of discovery of drug-taking by others
- Suffering from health and sleep problems
- Having frequent accidents and falls
- Feeling exhausted and depressed because of drug use