From Bupa
Recognising addiction and regaining control
We all have things we enjoy doing to relax or feel better. But some habits can turn into unhealthy addictions that take over our lives. Here, we look at how to recognise if you or a loved one have an addiction, and how to get support.
What is addiction?
Addictions often start out as enjoyable habits – having a few drinks with friends, the odd bet at the races, or taking drugs in social settings. These habits may give you a physical or mental high, or even a financial reward.
Sometimes, you might enjoy doing these things so much that you get a powerful urge to do them again and again. Each time, you want to get that ‘buzz’ back, even though you know the habit’s bad for you.
When your habit is all you can think about, it’s probably turned into an addiction. If you’re addicted, you may get unpleasant withdrawal symptoms (physical or emotional) if you stop the habit. So, you might carry on doing it to satisfy your cravings. Often an addiction gets out of control because you need more and more of it to achieve your next ‘high’.
If you have an addiction, you may ignore other activities or daily responsibilities. This can cause problems in your life. So, it’s important to seek help for your addiction and get the support you need.
Many people use addictions to help them cope at times of stress, so learning how to manage stress effectively can also help.
Types of addiction
When most people think of an addiction, harmful substances such as alcohol, drugs or smoking usually come to mind. But addiction doesn’t always involve a substance. Non-substance addictions can be referred to as behavioural addictions.
Behavioural addictions can include:
- gambling
- shopping
- sex
- the internet
- social media
- gaming
- pornography
- foods (potentially leading to eating disorders)
- exercise
- work
Recognising the signs of addiction
Some people hide their addictions well, even from close family, friends, and work colleagues. But you may be able to spot some common warning signs and symptoms. These include:
- mood changes
- anxiety, depression or other mental health problems
- being secretive or dishonest
- losing interest in activities, hobbies or events that used to be important to them
- trying – but failing – to avoid whatever they’re addicted to
- not looking after their appearance or personal hygiene
- difficulties with relationships and social life
If they’re addicted to alcohol, smoking or drugs, they may get withdrawal symptoms, including:
- shakiness
- restlessness
- feeling sick
- a racing heart
Addiction can affect their work life, causing:
- unexplained or regular absences
- poor performance or productivity
- more accidents or near-misses
Some signs and symptoms could be caused by other things, such as stress or illness. If someone you know displays any of these signs, check in with them.
Talking about it
If you think someone has an addiction, it’s important to broach the subject carefully. Seeking help with addiction is a difficult step to take, especially for the first time. And it’s natural for someone to worry that they’ll be judged.
When discussing their addiction:
- choose a safe and comfortable place at a quiet time
- be supportive and open
- avoid criticising them or their actions
- be honest with them
- explain how their addiction affects you or others close to them
You can help them by:
- listening if they want to talk
- reassuring them that it’s okay to seek help
- helping them decide where to go for support
- encouraging them to go to regular support meetings
- offering to go to appointments with them
- giving them written information, or website links, about their addiction and how to cut down or stop completely
Helping someone with an addiction might be challenging. So, remember to also look after yourself. If you take care of yourself, you’ll be in a better position to help someone else.
Hear from one of our experts
Fatmata Kamara, Specialist Nurse Adviser for Mental Health at Bupa
“Addiction is more common than many people realise. This is because a lot of people keep their addictions hidden due to shame or embarrassment. Admitting you have an addiction is probably the hardest step in getting help."
“Addiction can be devastating to both individuals and their families. If you or someone you know has an addiction, please know there is help available. There are lots of organisations that can offer support to help you recover.”
Getting the right support
If you need help with addiction, or want to help someone you know, there are lots of places to go to for support and advice. Speak to a GP, occupational health services or contact an organisation that specialises in helping people with addictions.
Local self-help groups and community networks can help too. There are also support groups for anyone who is supporting someone with an addiction – or you may prefer speaking to a local counsellor.
Support for addiction
Alcoholics Anonymous offers help to anyone with a drinking problem and has a free national helpline (0800 9177 650).
DrugWise promotes evidence-based information about drugs, alcohol and tobacco.
Frank offers honest facts about drugs and has a free helpline 24 hours a day, 7 hours a week (0300 123 6600), or you can text a question to 82111.
Cocaine Anonymous UK helps people to stop using cocaine and other mind-altering substances.
Gamblers Anonymous offers help and support to anyone with a gambling addiction.
Mind is a mental health charity with a mission to make sure no one has to face a mental health condition alone.
YoungMinds are a mental health charity for children and young people, as well as parents and carers.
WithYou are a drug, alcohol and mental health charity that provides advice and support.
Support for friends and families of people with addiction
Provides support to anyone affected or bereaved by someone’s harmful use of alcohol, drugs or gambling.
Adfam provide information and support to people affected by someone else’s drinking, drug use or gambling.
Families Anonymous is a group who provide support for friends and family of people with substance abuse problems.
References
- Koob GF, Volkow ND. Neurobiology of addiction: a neurocircuitry analysis. Lancet Psychiatry 2016;3(8):760-773. doi: 10.1016/S2215-0366(16)00104-8
- Gambling disorder. Royal College of Psychiatrists. rcpsych.ac.uk, published Dec 2021
- Fluyau D, Hashmi MF, Charlton TE. Drug Addiction. StatPearls Publishing. Updated January 2024
- Substance Use Disorders. MSD Manuals. msdmanuals.com, revised October 2022
- Alcohol and mental health. Mental Health Foundation. mentalhealth.org.uk, last updated February 2022
- Stress. World Health Organisation. who.int, published February 2023
- Alavi SS, Ferdosi M, Jannatifard F, et al. Behavioral Addiction versus Substance Addiction: Correspondence of Psychiatric and Psychological Views. Int J Prev Med 2012;3(4):290-4
- Addiction. YoungMinds. youngminds.org.uk, published June 2024
- Drug addiction. UK Addiction Treatment Centres. ukat.co.uk, last reviewed December 2023
- Drugs and mental health. Mental Health Foundation. mentalhealth.org.uk, last updated September 2021
- Alcohol - problem drinking. NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries. cks.nice.org.uk, last revised July 2023
- Managing drug and alcohol misuse at work. Health and Safety Executive. hse.gov.uk, accessed February 2025
- Helping someone with drug and alcohol problems. Mind. mind.org.uk, published June 2022
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