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		ADDICTION IS A WIDE SUBJECT:  WE HAVE A WEBSITE DEVOTED TO IT.   CLICK HERE to visit our addictions site.  Alcoholism  Pill Addiction  Smoking  Sugar Addiction       How To Tell If You Have An Addiction Although the word addiction is commonly associated with alcohol and drug addictions, many millions of people suffer from many different types of addiction.  Some are related to a chemical dependency on substances such as classified drugs, alcohol and even to some prescription drugs such as cocodamol.  Others are addicted to forms of compulsive behaviour such as gambling, sex, shopping and various forms of eating disorder. Even use of the internet can become an addiction. What many people find difficult to accept is that a true addiction is not a matter of choice.  The sufferer cannot simply choose not to take drugs any more, or not to gamble again. It goes much deeper that that. In addition, the addiction can have a severe and devastating effect on the family and friends of the addicted person. What does the term 'addiction' mean, how does it start and at what point does an enjoyment or habitual use of a substance or specific activity, become an addiction. How can some seem to enjoy an activity for years without a problem while other become 'hooked' and cannot stop, irrespective of financial, social or health considerations? There is no such thing as a typical addict:  the affliction affects all classes of people and all races.  Although the causes have been studied for many years, there is no consensus as to what triggers the addiction, at what point a heavy drinker becomes and alcoholic; at what point someone who uses painkillers to relieve pain has to begin using them because they must, irrespective of the pain. In some ways addiction is promoted for sensory reasons;  someone likes the feeling they get and wants it to continue. Sometimes overuse of a substance reduces its effects, and the potential alcoholic has to drink more and more to overcome the increasing efficiency of the liver enzymes in breaking down the alcohol and reducing the 'buzz'. The body, and mind, becomes dependent on that feeling and seeks to maintain it. Some people may be more likely that others to become addicts due to potential risk factors which have been identified. In some cases addiction appears to be hereditary. Children of alcoholics can grow up, not necessarily to be an alcoholic, but with some other form of compulsive behaviour such as gambling. Or is this due to environment and copycat behavior?  Children who grow up in poor families with neglect and abuse bare more likely to become addicts than those who do not. Most addicts do not recognize that what they once enjoyed is now a compulsion. What others see as an addiction, they believe to be simply a habit they can stop whenever they want. Most addicts find it extremely difficult to recognize the fact.  While each case is different, if even subtly, there are some common factor which can be used by individuals to determine if a habit is an addiction.   Unable to meet responsibilities at home, office or school. Continue to use substances or behaviour, even when it is known to be dangerous to their health or that of their immediately family and friends, and offer denial of the dangers they have been warned of.  'It's not true that smoking kills!' Usage of the substance increases, or the behaviour intensifies, in order to overcome them becoming immune to the normal sensory stimulation they are used to. Has tried and failed to stop the specific behaviour or substance abuse. Are well aware of the dangers involved, but continue irrespective of them. 'I know smoking kills, but so does swimming!'  Anyone who can identify three or more of the above could indicate that you or your loved one has an addiction.  The first step to treatment is recognition that an addiction exists. There is currently no cure for an addiction. Treatment and counseling can help the addict to  recognize the presence of the problem and control their behaviour or substance use, but an addict is never cured. Treatment can take a very long time, but very many people are now living happily after treatment when they, and their families, were previously living in misery. There are programs available for the treatment of addictions, including the well known 12 step program of Alcoholics Anonymous.  There are similar programs for most addictions, many having nothing to do with religion. If you live with someone with an an addiction, or are an addict yourself, you know that there is a daily commitment. Relapse is always possible. The feeling that 'I am cured now, I shall just a little.  It is easy now for me to stop' is fatal.  Recidivism is very common.  Even in smoking, most people fail to give up at their first attempt, and this is one of the simplest addictions to stop. There are many treatment programs and centers designed to help with the numerous types of common addiction.  Many are anonymous. Support groups help to assist family and friends deal with effects of an addiction in a loved one. This article is for information only, and a health care practitioner should be consulted before beginning any health care program. CLICK HERE to visit our addictions site.