Addictions

Addictions impact on both physical and psychological health. Symptoms of addictions may include depression, panic attacks, sleep disturbance, obsessive-compulsive traits, bad relationships and poor work performance.
Often what starts out as a social release can have dangerous consequences. The last place we expect to find this is when we are making choices during or after work.

The pressure that we face at work maybe so hard that we may just want some “down time” to escape the pressure at the end of the day. We may feel we have to work and play hard. This may take the form of a large glass of something wet or a line of cocaine. When does the letting the hair down all turn horribly wrong. Substances help us escape feelings of pressure and stress however they can become highly addictive.

Here are the “Alarm Bells” signal for addiction:

  • Needing more of a substance in order to achieve the desired effect.
  • Having strong feelings to use the substance in order to combat feelings of low mood, insomnia, anxiety, or even physical symptoms such as runny nose, shakes, headaches
  • Spending lots of time thinking about getting high/drunk.
  • Legal, financial, or emotional issues related to substance use.
  • Feeling powerless over the use of a substance.
  • Spending less time on activities that once were enjoyable.
  • Use of a substance despite the knowledge it is hurting you or others.
  • Using a substance in order to avoid or lessen the effects of withdrawal.

Does any of this sound familiar? Admitting you have a problem and that you may be addicted is the first step towards recovery. So what is the next step?

Talk! Speak to someone you trust such as your GP or a therapist who is experienced in helping people with substance abuse issues.
Act now! Addiction gets worse over time and can lead to family breakdowns, financial crises and sometimes death.