Addiction is a condition that is characterised by a compulsive engagement in a behaviour or substance use, despite harmful consequences, and can impact nearly every aspect of a person’s life as well as the lives of their loved ones.
Addiction involves physical, psychological, and social factors and is noted by the inability to control the behaviour, cravings, or substance use.
Common addictions and key aspects of addiction
The most common addictions seen both within the Defence Force and civilian life are the abuse of alcohol, cannabis and tobacco, and the misuse of prescription and pain medications. Some key components of addiction and behaviours that can come with it include:
Compulsion and cravings.
Loss of self-control including personal tolerance.
Withdrawal symptoms and behaviours.
A negative impact on quality of life.
Continued use despite harmful consequences, whether these have been acknowledged or otherwise.
How addiction affects your life
Addictions can impact nearly every aspect of a person’s life including their physical health, mental wellbeing, all types of relationships romantic, platonic, or family relationships, career struggles including financial and legal troubles, and overall quality of life. Many people facing addiction may experience health problems including:
Chronic health issues: trouble with their heart, liver, lungs, and a weakened immune function.
Physical injury or overdose.
An increase in anxiety or depression.
Substance-induced psychosis.
Dealing with an addiction
The first step to seeking help with addiction is acknowledging and admitting addictive choices and understanding that these behaviours are problematic and can have significant consequences.
From there, it is important to seek professional help, whether from a doctor or a rehabilitation program, and then working to develop an effective support network. Support networks can include support groups (Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous), therapy and counselling, and supportive and understanding family and friends.
Remember that addiction recovery is a journey that takes daily focus and the bravery to reach out, seek help, and move forward one step at a time.
Support at Mates4Mates
Mates4Mates offers veterans and family members access to psychologists, counsellors, and social workers who can help to support you where addiction affects your life, whether that is with addiction recovery, working on relationships, or career support.
The Mates4Mates Understanding Addiction Program is also beneficial for those facing addiction. The program is designed to raise awareness and understanding about addiction, how it can affect individuals, families, and the veteran community, and some ways to work toward recovery.
The program aims to break down the stigma of addiction and provide essential education to the community, offering practical tools for those struggling with addiction as well as follow-up counselling intervention with Mates4Mates clinicians.
For more information about Mates4Mates services and how we can help to support you, reach out to us on 1300 4 MATES (62 837) for a confidential chat.
Written by Sharron Jones, Mates4Mates Counsellor.
Addiction is a condition that is characterised by a compulsive engagement in a behaviour or substance use, despite harmful consequences, and can impact nearly every aspect of a person’s life as well as the lives of their loved ones.
