Addiction is not simply a lack of willpower
Many people experiencing addiction are also coping with anxiety, depression, trauma, loneliness, grief, chronic pain, financial difficulties or other challenges. Recovery is possible and support is available.
Understanding addiction and mental health
Addiction may involve
- Alcohol
- Drugs
- Prescription medicines
- Gambling
- Gaming
- Compulsive sexual behaviour
- Shopping or spending
- Online behaviours
Mental-health links
- Anxiety and depression
- Trauma and adverse experiences
- Stress, loneliness and grief
- Sleep problems
- Low self-esteem
When addiction and mental-health difficulties occur together, this is sometimes called dual diagnosis or a co-occurring condition.
Alcohol dependency
Possible signs
- Drinking more than intended
- Difficulty cutting down
- Cravings
- Drinking to cope
- Continuing despite harm
Mental-health effects
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Sleep problems
- Relationship stress
- Reduced judgement
Support
- GP support
- Local alcohol services
- Counselling
- Peer support
- Recovery programmes
Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous
Do not suddenly stop drinking without medical advice if physical dependency may be present. Severe withdrawal may require urgent medical treatment.
Drug and medication dependency
Drug dependency
Dependency may involve illegal drugs, prescription medicines, over-the-counter products or novel psychoactive substances. Treatment may include therapy, prescribed treatment, harm-reduction support and recovery planning.
Prescription medication dependency
Dependency can develop even when medicine was prescribed appropriately. Never stop opioids, sleeping tablets, sedatives or anti-anxiety medicines suddenly without professional advice.
Codeine dependency
Codeine can be present in prescribed and pharmacy medicines. Increasing use, frequent purchases, withdrawal or difficulty stopping should be discussed with a GP or addiction service.
Cannabis and mental health
Cannabis may be linked to anxiety, panic, paranoia, reduced motivation, sleep disruption or psychosis risk in vulnerable people.
Cocaine and mental health
Cocaine may be associated with anxiety, panic, irritability, sleep problems and low mood after use.
Steroid misuse
Anabolic steroid misuse may affect mood, aggression, anxiety, depression, dependence and body image.
Gambling addiction
Possible signs
- Spending more than planned
- Chasing losses
- Borrowing money
- Secrecy
- Relationship and financial difficulties
Support
- NHS gambling clinics
- Counselling
- Debt advice
- Peer support
- Family support
Behavioural and compulsive addictions
Gaming addiction
Gaming may become harmful when control is lost and sleep, education, work, health or relationships are significantly affected.
Internet and social-media dependency
Problematic online use may affect sleep, mood, self-esteem, concentration and relationships.
Shopping and compulsive spending
Compulsive spending may be used to manage boredom, loneliness, anxiety or low mood and can cause debt and shame.
Compulsive sexual behaviour and pornography
Repeated behaviour that feels difficult to control and harms relationships, work or wellbeing may benefit from specialist therapy, CBT, GP support or relationship counselling.
Emotional eating and exercise addiction
Where food or exercise becomes rigid, harmful or linked to eating-disorder symptoms, specialist support may be needed.
Nicotine, smoking and vaping
Nicotine is addictive. Cravings and withdrawal can contribute to irritability, stress and anxiety. NHS stop-smoking services, pharmacies and GPs may provide support.
Recovery support
Professional support
GPs, addiction services, counselling, mental-health services and specialist treatment.
Social support
Trusted family, friends, peer groups, sponsors and recovery communities.
Daily structure
Sleep, meals, activity, appointments and meaningful routines.
Trigger planning
Identify people, places, feelings and situations linked to cravings.
Relapse response
Reconnect with support, review triggers and update the recovery plan.
Integrated care
Mental-health and addiction needs should be considered together.
Families, carers and young people
Families may experience
- Anxiety
- Financial pressure
- Relationship strain
- Fear for safety
- Emotional exhaustion
Helpful support
- Family counselling
- Carer support
- Peer groups
- Safeguarding advice
- Support for children
Work, education, housing and money
Workplace
Occupational health, EAP support and reasonable adjustments may help.
Education
Schools, colleges and universities may offer wellbeing and safeguarding support.
Debt and finances
Free debt advice can help with arrears, gambling debt and creditor contact.
Housing and homelessness
Local councils, housing teams, health services and addiction services may need to work together.
Find addiction help across the UK
Use the service finder for the nation where you live.
England
FRANK lists free local drug and alcohol services and national support.
Find support in EnglandScotland
Use NHS Inform’s service directory to find local health and support services.
Scotland service directoryWales
DAN 24/7 is the free bilingual drug and alcohol helpline for Wales.
DAN 24/7 WalesCall: 0808 808 2234
Northern Ireland
The Public Health Agency provides regional drug and alcohol service directories.
Northern Ireland directoryUK addiction and recovery organisations
Urgent addiction and mental-health support
Seek urgent help for suspected overdose, severe withdrawal, unconsciousness, breathing difficulty, seizure, immediate danger or inability to remain safe.
- Emergency: call 999 or attend A&E.
- Urgent health advice: call NHS 111.
- Emotional support: call Samaritans on 116 123.
Frequently asked questions
Is addiction treatable?
Yes. Addiction is treatable, and many people recover with professional, practical and peer support.
Should someone stop alcohol suddenly?
Not if physical dependency may be present. Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous, so medical advice should be sought first.
Can someone refer themselves?
Many local services accept self-referrals. FRANK provides local service information in England.
Does relapse mean recovery failed?
No. Relapse is a reason to reconnect with support and review the recovery plan.
Can families get help?
Yes. Family members can access advice and support even if the person with the addiction is not yet in treatment.
Key message
Addiction does not define a person’s character, worth or ability to recover. Recovery can involve reducing harm, improving health, rebuilding relationships and creating greater stability.
Seeking help is not weakness. Recovery is possible, and no one should have to face addiction alone.