Addictions
Drugs are extremely prevalent for many of us today, as they have become commonplace in modern lifestyles. There is no limit or estimate as to how many drugs are in our society as they are all around us with anything from 'our favourite drug ' - alcohol, to computers, gambling, heroin and even shopping.
From the outset, it is important that we separate from thinking addictions can only be formed with illegal drugs. (These are often the ones which cause more social harm, so are more obvious, and to which attract more funding as a result. Equally concerning to us should be the harm to the individual and people surrounding them. This harm can be caused as the individual places more priority on their 'drug' above everything else). For some people, a behaviour such as compulsive shopping can give the individual the near same effects as a drug such as heroin or alcohol.
The Oxford Dictionary defines a drug as 'any substance used in medicine'. Quite simply the chaotic use of a drug, to the point where it affects our work life, social life, home life, and /or finances, is a good indicator that we are developing a problem. If we then try to give up our drug and face withdrawal symptoms and need to return to its use to avoid depression or return to a state of normality then we, very likely, are on the path to addiction. Therefore a good indicator of whether we have a problem or not is - are we able to live without our 'drug'?
