Addiction Support

Addiction is a common problem, but help is available. Addiction is defined as not having control over doing, taking or using something to the point where it could be harmful to you.

Drug addiction

Your GP can support you with treatment, discussing options and looking at the right treatment plan for you. You may have your treatment while living at home or as a hospital inpatient. Different treatments may include:

• Medication

• Talking therapies

• Detox/rehab

• Self help & support groups

If you're not comfortable talking to a GP, you can approach your local drug treatment service yourself.

Find drug and alcohol support near you | FRANK (talktofrank.com)

Alcohol addiction

Realising you have a problem with alcohol is the first big step to getting help. Speaking with your GP, they may suggest different types of assessment and support options available to you. Cutting down or stopping drinking is usually just the beginning, and most people will need some degree of help or a long-term plan to stay in control or completely alcohol free. There are a number of services you can access, as well as self help and support groups:

Find alcohol addiction support services - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Home - Alcoholics Anonymous Great Britain (alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk)

Gambling addiction

Treatment and support groups are available if gambling is causing problems for you. There are specialist clinics in the UK to attend for treatment, there they will have a team of psychiatrists and psychologists to support with recovery and provide therapy, whilst also supporting your loved ones. You can self-refer to a gambling clinic near you, or speak with your GP for information on services in your area.

East of England Gambling Service (eofegamblingservice.nhs.uk)

Smoking addiction

There are several different treatments available should you wish to stop smoking. These can be purchased from shops, pharmacies or on prescription, to help you beat your addiction and reduce withdrawal symptoms. Speak to your GP or an NHS stop smoking adviser for advice on which is the best option for you.

Different treatment options include:

• Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) - this is a medicine that provides you with a low level of nicotine, available in gum, skin patches, tablets, or sprays

• Medication - reduces cravings for nicotine, but it also blocks the rewarding and reinforcing effects of smoking

• E-cigarettes - an electronic device that delivers nicotine in a vapour, allowing you to inhale nicotine without most of the harmful effects

Addiction is a treatable condition. Whatever the addiction, there are lots of ways you can seek help. You could see your GP for advice or contact an organisation that specialises in helping people with addictions.