If you ask anyone what an addiction is, they'll probably say it's being unable to stop using a substance, for example an illegal drug such as heroin, or maybe alcohol.
Perhaps the best example is cigarette smoking. You will recognise the strong sense of compulsion that smokers have to light up, particularly in situations where this is not allowed, such as in an aeroplane.
These addictions begin to dominate daily life and the individual finds they are powerless to break from the addictive circle, as the problem becomes worse.
Types of addiction range from the socially acceptable drink to the highly illegal fix.
People can become overly attached to a whole range of activities and substances. For example, gambling, chocolate, computer games, even using the internet. These non-drug addictive behaviours are similar in that the person has a lack of control over their behaviour.
Sources of help and support
This section provides a list of support agencies and charities that can help those who have an addiction, and offer guidance to their family and friends.
Kent and Medway NHS
Look at the addictions section of the Your Health part of the local NHS Trust’s website. There are specific pages for alcohol, drugs, smoking and gambling, and each gives contact details for local support groups.
Web: www.kentandmedway.nhs.uk/your_health/addictions.asp
KCA Drug & Alcohol Teams
Community drug and alcohol services. With offices around Kent – contact their Head Office in Faversham for local contacts.
Tel: 01795 590635
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.kca.org.uk/Kent.htm
MIND
Helpline and website for people with addictions, providing lots of useful information. Call for details of nearest group in Kent.
Tel: 08457 660 163
Web: www.mind.org.uk
Relate
Advice and counselling for couples whose relationship is being affected by their addiction, includes sex addicts and excessive use of the internet.
Tel: 0845 456 1310
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.relate.org.uk
Addiction
Helps drug and alcohol addicts; accesses people’s needs and provides them with a programme towards abstinence.
Tel: 01634 326881
Web: www.addaction.org.uk
Direct Gov
Website offers advice and support related to drug and smoking addiction
www.direct.gov.uk
As well as the above organisations, the following section gives details of support agencies that offer help with particular types of addiction:
Alcohol
Drink Line
The National Alcohol Helpline
Tel: 0800 917 8282
Alcoholics Anonymous
Help for people who want to control their drinking.
Tel: 0845 769 7555
KCA Drug & Alcohol Teams
Community drug and alcohol services. With offices around Kent – contact their Head Office in Faversham for local contacts.
Tel: 01795 590635
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.kca.org.uk/Kent.htm
Kenward Trust
Offers professionally operated recovery programmes for people suffering from drug and alcohol misuse and homelessness problems.
Tel: 01622 814187
Web: www.kenwardtrust.org.uk
Email: [email protected]
Smoking
NHS Smoking Helpline
The NHS offers plenty of free help and support for people who want to give up smoking.
Tel: 0800 169 0 169
Web: www.givingupsmoking.co.uk
East Kent Stop Smoking Service
Tel: 0800 849 4444
Email: [email protected]
Recreational Drugs
This is addiction to drugs such as cannabis, ecstasy and heroin.
National Drugs Helpline
Free, confidential help available 24 hours a day.
Tel: 0800 77 66 00
ADFAM National
The UK Charity for Families and Friends of Drug Users. Mon – Fri 10am – 5pm
Tel: 0207 553 7640
Kent Drug & Alcohol Action Team
Friendly and accessible services throughout the county.
Tel: 01622 669 000
Email: [email protected]
Talk to Frank
Drugs information website especially for teenagers.
Tel: 0800 77 66 00
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.talktofrank.com
Kent Substance Misuse Service (Cornerstone)
Tel: 01892 534422
Families Anonymous
For Relatives and Friends Concerned About the Use of Drugs or Related Behavioural Problems.
Tel: 0845 1200 660
Web: www.famanon.org.uk
Narcotics Anonymous
Recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean.
Tel: 0300 999 1212 (24 hours a day/ 7 days a week).
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.ukna.org
Release
24hr confidential advice and helpline on drugs and legal matters.
Tel: 0845 4500 215
Parents against Drug Use
Free, confidential advice 24 hours a day
Tel: 08457 023 867
Prescribed Drugs
Addiction to prescribed or over-the-counter medicines such as tranquillisers, sleeping pills or anti-depressants.
Council for Involuntary Tranquilliser Addiction
Tel: 0151 949 0102
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is the name given to a condition in which people experience repetitive and upsetting thoughts and/or behaviours. Common obsessions include, but are not limited to, fears about dirt, germs and contamination; inordinate concern with order, arrangement or symmetry; inability to discard useless or worn out possessions; and fears that things are not safe, e.g. household appliances. Other conditions that OCD can help with include: compulsive hair pulling, compulsive skin picking and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). BDD is a disorder defined as a preoccupation with a perceived defect in one's appearance.
OCD Action
Tel: 0845 390 6232
Web: www.ocdaction.org.uk
No Panic
Helpline for people with panic attacks, anxiety, and OCD
Tel: 0808 808 0545
Web: www.nopanic.org.uk
Compulsive Shopping
Compulsive shopping often starts with the person doing what is flippantly called ‘retail therapy’, which is buying items that they do not really need. Doing so can create a satisfying feeling; it may help pass time and avoid the realities of everyday life.
There is a lack of organisations specialising in this type of addiction, and you should contact one of the general agencies
Food Disorders
Food disorders can include bulimia, anorexia and binge eating usually caused by depression, anxiety and consciousness of image.
Beat (Previously Eating Disorders Association)
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 0845 634 1414 (adults) or 0845 634 7650 (18s and under)
Anorexics Anonymous
Tel: 020 8748 3994
Food addicts in Recovery Anonymous
www.foodaddicts.org
Gambling and Money
Those addicted to gambling either online or in a casino-like environment. These people can also have addiction of money, either spending it or trying to gain more money through gambling.
Gamblers Anonymous
Tel: 020 7384 3040
Web: www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
GamCare
Promote responsible attitudes to gambling and to work for the provision of proper care for those who have been harmed by gambling dependency.
Tel: 0845 6000 133
Web: www.gamcare.org.uk
Internet
The internet has only recently been classified as an addiction; however generally addicts of the internet are usually using it to fulfil another addictive cause whether it is shopping, gaming, gambling or sex addiction.
Centre for On-line Addiction
Web: www.netaddiction.com
CARE
Christian charity providing information on internet misuse.
Web: www.care.org.uk
