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Addiction and Recovery

Addiction is defined as not having control over doing, taking or using something to the point where it could be harmful. It’s most commonly associated with alcohol, drugs, smoking and gambling. However it's possible to become addicted to many things such as work, the internet, shopping and food. In times of stress or professional pressure, we may look for ways to improve the way we feel. Substances can achieve this but only temporarily. With continuous use our brains create powerful urges (cravings) for these substances in order to recreate the 'reward' or pleasurable feeling.

Guides

  • Sober challenges

    Alcohol consumption is linked to seven types of cancer, and the more you drink the more your risk increases. Sometimes regular drinkers recognise that they need to take a break. Some will do this of their own accord and ...

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  • Alcohol and relationships

    Many of us associate alcohol with social events, and drinking in moderaton can be a healthy ‘social lubricant’. It can help us to interact with others and even form new friendships and connections. But alcohol can al...

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  • Drugs, alcohol and young adults

    Teenagers and young adults often become curious about legal and illegal drugs and experimentation is very common. It’s natural for teens to push boundaries and take risks as they try to ‘fit in’. At that age they m...

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  • What is sober shaming?

    Increasing numbers of us are choosing to cut out alcohol. A 2019 report by the Office of National Statistics says the average person drinks around 40% less than in 2004, with one in five choosing not to drink at all. But...

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  • Gambling

    Being a compulsive gambler can harm your health and relationships, and leave you in serious debt. The NHS is now facing record demand for specialist support for gambling addiction.

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  • Alcohol and the workplace - guidance for managers

    More than 25 million adults in the UK consume alcohol on a regular basis. So statistically, drinkers are more likely to be employed than non-drinkers. This means the effects of overconsumption of alcohol are often felt i...

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  • Alcohol and COVID-19

    “I’ve had a long day. I need a drink”. We’ve all heard it or maybe said it ourselves. We often drink more during stressful periods and the impact of the pandemic has meant that our normal routines have been di...

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  • What is addiction?

    Addiction is defined as not having control over doing, taking or using something to the point where it could be harmful to you. We associate addiction with intense craving and giving in to something that we don’t actua...

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  • Are you misusing alcohol?

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, some of us may have developed unhealthy habits. Increased alcohol consumption, unhealthy snacking and doing less exercise may all have been ways of seeking comfort.

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Updates

Articles
  • Articles
    Addiction and Recovery

    Free stop smoking service for local NHS staff

    Read moreHorizontal Rule
    18 October 2022 - Roy McPartland
  • ArticlesMother drinking wine with daughter
    Addiction and Recovery

    The impact of addiction on family and friends

    Read moreHorizontal Rule
    18 August 2022 - Roy McPartland
View all articles

Helpful resources

Managing drug and alcohol misuse at work

A CIPD guide for employers

Download PDF, 2.65MB
Overlooked report by Adfam

Why we should be doing more to support families and friends affected by someone else's drinking, drug use or gambling

Download PDF, 3.08MB
Marijuana talk kit

What you need to know to talk with your teen about marijuana. A guide from drugfree.org.

Download PDF, 980.22KB
Drugs, alcohol and young people

Guidance for parents from Young Minds.

Download PDF, 3.49MB
Alcohol and You

An NHS self help guide.

Download PDF, 1.82MB
Alcohol in the workplace factsheet

The latest facts and figures about UK consumption at Alcohol Change UK.

Download PDF, 44.45KB