Recognising Addiction

Guidance on identifying addiction symptoms in yourself or others across various substances and behaviours. Articles explain physical and psychological signs, genetic factors and differences between dependency and addiction.

Addiction and Genes

Addiction involves both genetic vulnerability and personal choice, with treatment working best when it addresses biology alongside personal responsibility.

Addictions and the Elderly

Older people face addiction problems too, but they're often overlooked and their struggles with alcohol and prescription drugs go unrecognised.

Am I Dependent or Have I Got an Addiction?

Dependence and addiction aren't the same thing, here's how to tell the difference and what each actually means.

Do You Have a Spending Addiction?

Spending addiction is becoming more common as people chase the latest gadgets and trends to cope with stress and feel a temporary high.

Recognising Alcohol Addiciton

If someone you know drinks heavily most days, hides bottles or gets shaky without alcohol, they might be struggling with addiction.

Recognising Drug addiction.

Signs of drug addiction range from mood swings and sleepiness to depression and loss of coordination, and they vary depending on the substance used.

The Common Physical Signs of Addiction.

recognising physical warning signs that someone may be struggling with addiction to drugs or other substances.

The Difference Between Social Use and Addiction

Not everyone who uses alcohol, drugs or gambles becomes addicted, but when you can't function without it, that's when social use crosses into addiction.

The Psychological Signs of Addiction

Watch for emotional swings, paranoia and withdrawal from relationships—common signs someone may be developing an addiction.