An addiction is a habit that you know is bad for you, but you just can't break. You may be addicted to something without even realising; it's often only when you no longer have access to whatever it is that you realise the problem. Common and serious addictions include addiction to alcohol, drugs, gambling or cigarettes.
For many people their habit started as a way of coping with unbearable feelings they couldn't deal with in any other way. Over time they lost control over their behaviour, their drinking or their drug-taking, and suffered cravings or withdrawal symptoms if they went without. This is when their habit became an addiction - or dependency.
Addiction tends to get worse and worse. Often, people don't recognise they have a problem for a long time, so they don't ask for the help they need. If this happens, addiction may take a terrible toll on the quality of life and could even be fatal.
Recovery from an addiction usually takes place after the person has a crisis and decides they have to take responsibility for their own behaviour. Options include self-help programmes like the 12 Step Programme, adopting healthier lifestyles and getting professional help from GPs and counsellors.
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