Addiction: A wider look at the impacts

I’ve been a qualified counsellor for over 20 years. For the first decade of my career, including part of my training, I worked in the field of addictions, supporting individuals from all walks of life who had one thing in common: they were all addicted to something. 

Most commonly, this would be drugs, whether prescribed or illicit and alcohol. It became apparent throughout my career that gambling addiction was coming out of the shadows, and its prevalence in today’s society is obvious (an article for a later date!).

One of the most important things that I have learnt in the early days of my career was just how extremely complex addictions can be, and furthermore, how the addiction is usually the presenting issue, or surface issue, and what lies beneath the surface can have significance in the presenting behaviour.

Addiction undoubtedly is a global issue. It not only has direct negative consequences for the individual with the addiction, but it also has far-reaching effects towards countless individuals, their loved ones, services, communities and society as a whole.

Although the word ‘addiction’ is often associated with alcohol or drugs, it can also manifest in other behaviours such as gambling, shopping, sex, internet use or even food. In truth, a person can become addicted to almost anything. Regardless of its form, addiction can have significant negative effects on the individual's mental and physical health and emotional well-being. This article explores the multifaceted consequences of addiction, shedding light on its far-reaching implications.

What causes a person to become addicted? The chicken and the egg theory

Firstly, let's think about 'what causes a person to become addicted'? The “chicken and the egg theory" is often discussed in the context of addiction. This notion refers to the ongoing debate about which comes first: does the addiction cause underlying issues associated with mental health? Or do pre-existing problems lead to addiction?

In many cases, it’s not clear-cut. For some individuals, addictive behaviours may develop as a way of self-medicating or coping with anxiety, depression, or traumatic experiences. For others, the persistent use of addictive substances or behaviours can itself trigger or worsen psychological difficulties. This cyclical relationship means that addiction and its underlying causes are often intertwined, feeding off each other and making it challenging to identify which came first. 

Due to this, mental health services are reluctant to treat a person for a mental health condition with co-occurring substance misuse issues, simply because it is difficult to give an accurate diagnosis due to their problematic substance use. That’s completely understandable, right?

In my previous experience working as a Counsellor within an addiction service, this was evident on numerous occasions, where at times, it became extremely exasperating for all involved as it seemed that the person that needed the support was almost being passed from pillar to post, thus hindering any kind of potential recovery and increasing the chance of that person disengaging from the services too. 

Recognising this complexity is crucial in supporting individuals, as effective treatment often needs to address both the addiction and any underlying emotional or psychological concerns from a dual diagnosis perspective. In essence, the “chicken and the egg” theory highlights the multifaceted and deeply interconnected nature of addiction, reminding us that each person’s journey is unique and often shaped by a mix of contributing factors.

Furthermore, when considering ‘why does a person become addicted?’ there are several factors involved which can be varied and complex, involving a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors.

Genetics can play a significant role, making some individuals more susceptible to addictive behaviours due to inherited traits. Environmental influences, such as exposure to trauma, chronic stress, or early experiences with substances or risky behaviours, also contribute to the likelihood of developing an addiction.

Additionally, underlying mental health conditions — such as anxiety, depression, or unresolved emotional pain — can increase vulnerability, as individuals may turn to addictive substances or behaviours as a way of coping. Social factors, including peer pressure, family dynamics, and the availability of addictive substances or activities, further shape a person's risk. Ultimately, addiction often arises from a combination of these factors, rather than a single cause, making it a deeply individual and multifaceted issue.

The individual's struggle with addiction

Without getting too jargony, at its core, addiction is characterised by a person’s inability to control the consumption of a substance or engagement in a behaviour despite this having adverse consequences.

This compulsive behaviour stems from changes in the brain's reward system, leading to a cycle of craving and dependency. For the individual (but not just the individual), this can result in a host of problems, ranging from health, financial or relationship difficulties to legal issues, to name a few.

Mental and physical health impacts

Addiction can take a severe toll on an individual's mental and physical health. The compulsive nature of addiction can lead the person to feel shame, guilt, and helplessness. These emotions can contribute to and often exacerbate existing mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety.

Some more serious mental health conditions associated with drug abuse include bipolar disorder, ADHD, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder, and, in some cases, individuals can and will self-harm and experience recurring suicidal ideation and attempts. Furthermore, having an addiction can also be a contributing factor towards the development of new conditions. 

The stress of hiding addictive behaviours or dealing with the fallout can lead to chronic stress, which further deteriorates mental well-being. Individuals battling addiction may also experience cognitive impairments, such as difficulties with decision-making, problem-solving, and memory.

For a person with alcohol addiction where their consumption has been in excess and prolonged over long periods, this could lead to more severe conditions such as liver cirrhosis and alcohol-related 'dementia'. These impairments can hinder a person’s ability to function effectively in daily life, perpetuating a vicious cycle of addiction leading to both mental and physical health decline. 

The social implications of addictions

Beyond personal health, the social implications for individuals struggling with addictions can be far-reaching, deeply disruptive and potentially destructive in some cases. These far-reaching impacts can have significant consequences for relationships with family, friends, and colleagues alike.

The behaviours of an addicted person can be unrecognisable and what seems completely out of character to some. In effect, relationships are likely to suffer due to mistrust, withdrawal, or conflict arising from addictive behaviours. Individuals can often find themselves increasingly isolated as their addiction takes precedence over social interactions and responsibilities, often leading to a complete breakdown in communication and their support networks. 

Furthermore, addiction may impact educational and employment prospects, as erratic behaviour, absenteeism, or declining performance can result in job loss or academic failure. Financial difficulties frequently arise, not only as a consequence of spending on addictive substances or behaviours but also due to impaired judgement and decision-making. In some cases, when those support networks break down, including financial support, this can increase the chance of an individual committing a crime. 

The wider community may also feel the effects, as increased demand for healthcare, social services, and even legal intervention places a strain on public resources. In essence, the social consequences of addiction extend well beyond the individual, affecting loved ones, workplaces, and society at large.

Support for people with addictions

For those struggling with addiction, seeking the right support can be a vital step towards recovery. There is a wide spectrum of help available, ranging from professional treatment services to informal peer and community-based support.

Accessing a GP or a local addiction service is often a practical starting point, as these professionals can provide assessments, referrals, and information on suitable treatment options tailored to individual needs.

Counselling and therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), can help individuals understand the roots of their addictive behaviours and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

Support groups, including Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and similar fellowships, offer a sense of community, accountability, and shared experience, which can be incredibly powerful in sustaining long-term recovery. Many charities and helplines also provide confidential advice, emotional support, and practical assistance for both those affected by addiction and their loved ones.

Family and friends can play a crucial role by offering encouragement and understanding, but it is equally important for them to access support in their own right, as previously explained, addiction often has ripple effects throughout a person's social network.

Ultimately, recovery is a highly individual journey, and finding the most appropriate support may involve trying different approaches until the right combination is found. Persistence, openness to help, and a willingness to engage with available resources are key factors in overcoming addiction and rebuilding a healthier, more fulfilling life.