NHS England. (2024) Addiction: what is it?.
External website: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/addiction-support/add...
Addiction is a common problem, but help is available. Addiction is defined as not having control over doing, taking or using something to the point where it could be harmful to you. Addiction is most commonly associated with gambling, drugs, alcohol and smoking, but it's possible to be addicted to just about anything, including:
- work – some people are obsessed with their work to the extent that they become physically exhausted; if your relationship, family and social life are affected and you never take holidays, you may be addicted to work
- internet – as computer and mobile phone use has increased, so too have computer and internet addictions; people may spend hours each day and night surfing the internet or gaming while neglecting other aspects of their lives
- solvents – volatile substance abuse is when you inhale substances such as glue, aerosols, petrol or lighter fuel to give you a feeling of intoxication
- shopping – shopping becomes an addiction when you buy things you don't need or want to achieve a buzz; this is quickly followed by feelings of guilt, shame or despair
- sex - sex addiction is when your sexual behaviour feels out of control, is causing you or others distress, or is affecting your life and relationships...
Item Type
Webpage
Publication Type
International, Web Resource
Drug Type
Alcohol, All substances, Behavioural addiction
Intervention Type
Treatment method, Prevention, Harm reduction, Rehabilitation/Recovery, Screening / Assessment
Date
July 2024
Publisher
National Health Service
Corporate Creators
NHS England
Place of Publication
London
EndNote
Subjects
F Concepts in psychology > Process / behavioural disorder (addiction)
F Concepts in psychology > Process / behavioural disorder (addiction) > Gambling > Gambling disorder / problem
F Concepts in psychology > Process / behavioural disorder (addiction) > Process disorder risks / initiation
F Concepts in psychology > Behaviour > Risk-taking behaviour
G Health and disease > Substance use disorder (addiction)
G Health and disease > Substance use disorder (addiction) > Drug use disorder > Drug dependence
J Health care, prevention, harm reduction and treatment > Risk and protective factors > Risk factors
J Health care, prevention, harm reduction and treatment > Treatment and maintenance > Treatment factors
T Demographic characteristics > Substance or health care worker / provider
T Demographic characteristics > Nurse / Midwife
T Demographic characteristics > Social worker
VA Geographic area > Europe > United Kingdom
F Concepts in psychology > Process / behavioural disorder (addiction) > Gambling > Gambling disorder / problem
F Concepts in psychology > Process / behavioural disorder (addiction) > Process disorder risks / initiation
F Concepts in psychology > Behaviour > Risk-taking behaviour
G Health and disease > Substance use disorder (addiction)
G Health and disease > Substance use disorder (addiction) > Drug use disorder > Drug dependence
J Health care, prevention, harm reduction and treatment > Risk and protective factors > Risk factors
J Health care, prevention, harm reduction and treatment > Treatment and maintenance > Treatment factors
T Demographic characteristics > Substance or health care worker / provider
T Demographic characteristics > Nurse / Midwife
T Demographic characteristics > Social worker
VA Geographic area > Europe > United Kingdom
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