Many people in the Western world find they need support from a chemical prop in order to keep up with the pace of living in a highly sophisticated, stressful society. This temporary help may come from using obvious substances such as alcohol, cigarettes, coffee, tea, prescription or recreational drugs, or more diverse complications such as sugar, chocolate, painkillers, exercise, gambling, dieting, shopping or work.

It is important to recognise that not all dependencies are sinister or life-threatening. For instance, having a cup of tea after a hard day’s work or the odd bar of chocolate is not recognised a serious form of addiction. However, once you reach the point of experiencing panic, severe anxiety or fear of being unable to cope without your tea, chocolate, alcohol or cigarettes, you may have a more serious addiction which requires treatment.

Often making the initial admission that the problem exists is usually the hardest hurdle to overcome. The first move is to seek help from an appropriate combination of any of the following : family doctor support group, counsellor or alternative practitioner.

The subject of addiction and dependence is extremely complex and has far-reaching health and socio-economic consequences. For this reason, it is vital to seek professional support. Do not attempt to cope with the problem alone, particularly during the withdrawal period.

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