What is Addiction?

Addiction is a progressive and debilitating disorder consisting of a physical dependency and a psychological obsession. Addiction can be identified by a strong need or compulsion to use substances or behaviour(s) to alter the individual's mood.

The substances can range from food, exercise, alcohol or drugs (illegal or prescribed) to achieve a desired effect, most addictions take time to develop and almost no one deliberately sets out to become addicted to a substance.

Individuals with Addiction and Compulsive Behaviours rarely receive public understanding that other individuals who live with debilitating conditions do.

Addiction/Compulsive can affect us psychologically, physically and socially turning the rational into obsessive and the hopeful into the hopeless.

We look at the whole person as a multi-dimensional individual enabling us to identify specific treatment needs. The Clinical team addresses chemical dependency, substance use and the "associated conditions and behaviours" equally and simultaneously. looking at other possibilities that the client may use other outlets for their addiction, (such as sex, food, exercise, co-dependency and relationship issues).

It is only when addiction takes hold of someone we know or love that it becomes a problem that affects us directly, the reality is that most of us know someone who is affected by addiction and consequently how devastating it can be. There are still many misconceptions about addiction what it is and who it affects, most importantly, addiction has the potential to affect us all, 1 in 3 people suffer with an addiction and related behaviours at some point in their lives.

It is crucial that everyone is aware of the dangers of addiction and signs to look out for.

For further confidential advice please call 01452 750599 or email help@steppsrehab.co.uk