What is addiction?
Life is full of surprises, some of which may cause stress. To cope, sometimes we may want a “quick fix”. In these moments we may try to comfort ourselves by turning to alcohol and drugs, for example. Or we start making friends with people who use substances, and in an attempt to fit in we may start using. No matter the cause when we start relying a lot on a “fix”, it may result in developing an addiction.
Anybody at any age can be affected by addiction. Besides alcohol and drugs addiction can take various other forms, including (but not limited to) excessive/compulsive:
- Overeating;
- Shopping;
- Gaming; and/or
- Social media
What may the effects of addiction be in your life?
Addiction may have a number of short and long term consequences, impacting several areas of your life.
- Your behavior changes noticeably
- Your relationships with people are different Some family members, friends, and peers start distancing themselves
- Your grades start slipping, resulting in failed assignments, exams, and courses
- Your appetite is affected, causing weight gain or loss
What can you do to treat addiction?
You are not alone, and you are worthy of treatment!
- Reach out for help - there are many individual and group treatment options available
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Recovery is a journey filled with ups and downs; celebrate the highs, and learn from the lows
- Know that extra community supports are on hand to help, such as (but not limited to):
- Youth workers;
-
Volunteer mentors; and/or
- Life coaches
- Be gentle with yourself by practicing self-love - you are doing your best, one day at a time
