Addiction is the physical or psychological dependence on a substance or activity, often at the expense of health, wellbeing, and daily functioning. It can be profoundly debilitating and may lead to lasting consequences across physical health, mental health, finances, and relationships. Addiction is not limited to substances; it can also manifest behaviorally, in activities such as gambling, gaming, internet use, shopping, or compulsive exercise.

The causes of addiction are multifaceted. Biological factors, including genetics and alterations in brain chemistry, can increase susceptibility. Psychological factors such as trauma, low self-esteem, or co-occurring mental health conditions may contribute, while social and environmental influences—including family dynamics, peer pressure, socio-economic stressors, and cultural norms—can further exacerbate risk. Early exposure to addictive substances or behaviors and adverse childhood experiences often play a significant role in shaping vulnerability.

The effects of addiction are wide-ranging. Physically, it can result in organ damage, neurological impairments, sleep disturbances, and chronic illness. Psychologically, it can exacerbate anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation, while socially, it may strain or break relationships, lead to isolation, or create employment and legal difficulties. Financial instability is also a frequent consequence. Signs of addiction include compulsive engagement in the substance or activity, loss of control, obsessive thoughts, cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and escalating tolerance.

Treatment for addiction is complex and must address both immediate behaviors and underlying causes. Medical interventions, such as detoxification or medication-assisted treatments, can support physiological dependence, while psychological approaches—including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), trauma-informed therapy, and motivational interviewing—can address the emotional and behavioral dimensions of addiction. Talking therapies provide a structured and safe environment to explore the underlying factors contributing to addictive behaviors and to develop strategies for preventing relapse. Participation in peer support groups or family therapy is highly recommended to reinforce recovery and foster social support. Holistic approaches, such as mindfulness, exercise, nutrition, and creative therapies, can complement formal treatment.

Despite treatment efforts, addiction often follows a chronic and relapsing course. Recovery is a long-term process that requires lifestyle changes, coping strategies, and ongoing support. Understanding triggers, developing emotional regulation skills, and maintaining social connections are key components of sustained recovery. Early prevention and education—through promoting resilience, healthy coping strategies, and supportive community networks—are also critical in reducing vulnerability to addiction.

Addressing addiction effectively requires a comprehensive approach that considers the biological, psychological, and social dimensions of the condition. By combining evidence-based therapies, medical support, and community resources, individuals can achieve recovery, manage relapse risks, and rebuild a balanced and healthy life.

Talking therapies can play a vital role in helping individuals understand and change addictive patterns by providing a safe, structured space to explore underlying emotional, relational, and psychological factors. They are particularly effective in addressing issues such as trauma, maladaptive coping strategies, low self-esteem, emotional regulation difficulties, and relapse prevention, and in helping individuals develop insight, resilience, and healthier behavioral responses. However, talking therapies alone are not sufficient where there is significant physical dependence, acute withdrawal, risk of overdose, severe psychiatric symptoms, or immediate threats to safety. In these circumstances, clinical or medical intervention—such as detoxification, medication-assisted treatment, or emergency care—is essential to stabilise the individual before therapeutic work can be effective. Talking therapies are most beneficial when integrated with appropriate medical and clinical support, rather than used as a standalone intervention in cases of moderate to severe addiction.

International Addiction Support Resources

SMART Recovery (International)
Science-based mutual aid groups using CBT-informed tools for substance and behavioural addictions.
Website: https://www.smartrecovery.org
Global meetings: https://meetings.smartrecovery.org

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA – International)
Peer-led support for people seeking recovery from alcohol addiction, with meetings worldwide.
Website: https://www.aa.org
Meeting finder: https://www.aa.org/find-aa

Narcotics Anonymous (NA – International)
Global fellowship offering peer support for people recovering from drug addiction.
Website: https://www.na.org
Meeting search: https://www.na.org/meetingsearch

In The Rooms
An international online recovery community offering meetings and forums for a wide range of addictions.
Website: https://www.intherooms.com

Befrienders Worldwide
Directory of emotional support and crisis helplines across multiple countries.
Website: https://www.befrienders.org

United Kingdom Addiction Support Resources

Peer Support & Mutual Aid

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA UK)
Free peer support with meetings across the UK and a national helpline.
Website: https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk
Helpline: https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/Help-for-you/Helpline

Narcotics Anonymous (NA UK)
Peer-led recovery support for people affected by drug use.
Website: https://ukna.org
Meeting search: https://ukna.org/meetings

SMART Recovery UK
UK charity offering structured, evidence-based self-help for addiction recovery.
Website: https://smartrecovery.org.uk

Cocaine Anonymous UK
Support for people recovering from cocaine and stimulant addiction.
Website: https://cauk.org.uk

Marijuana Anonymous UK
Peer support for people seeking help with cannabis use.
Website: https://marijuana-anonymous.org/find-a-meeting

Al-Anon Family Groups UK & Eire
Support for families and friends affected by someone else’s drinking.
Website: https://al-anonuk.org.uk

Families Anonymous UK
Support for families affected by drug or alcohol addiction.
Website: https://www.famanon.org.uk

UK Charities & National Services

We Are With You
Confidential support for drug, alcohol, and mental health concerns across the UK.
Website: https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk

Change Grow Live (CGL)
UK-wide services offering support for substance use, mental wellbeing, and recovery.
Website: https://www.changegrowlive.org

Talk to FRANK
National drug information and advice service for young people and adults.
Website: https://www.talktofrank.com

Release
Free, confidential legal advice and information related to drugs and drug use.
Website: https://www.release.org.uk

Forward Trust (formerly Action on Addiction)
Treatment, recovery, and family support services across the UK.
Website: https://www.forwardtrust.org.uk

National Association for Children of Alcoholics (Nacoa)
Support for children and adults affected by a parent’s drinking.
Website: https://nacoa.org.uk

Mental Health & Crisis Support (UK)

Samaritans
24/7 emotional support for people in distress.
Website: https://www.samaritans.org

Shout 85258
Free 24/7 text support for crisis situations in the UK.
Website: https://www.shout85258.org

Mind
Mental health charity offering advice, resources, and local support services.
Website: https://www.mind.org.uk

Directories & Treatment Finders (UK)

NHS – Find Alcohol and Drug Services
Official NHS directory for local addiction services.
Website: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/find-alcohol-addiction-support-services

Rehab-Online
UK directory of addiction treatment and rehabilitation services.
Website: https://www.rehab-online.org.uk