POLICE ASSOCIATION OF NOVA SCOTIA 97 An addiction is a habit or behaviour that is very hard to stop and interferes with a person’s life. Addictions can include dependence on a substance such as alcohol or a drug, or an activity like gambling. What are the signs and symptoms of an addiction? Many people drink alcohol, use drugs or gamble without having problems. However, some will find that they have “crossed over a line” and have lost the ability to make reasonable decisions. The signs of an addiction vary widely, depending on the problem and the person. A drug or activity is a problem when it: • affects mental and physical health • involves breaking the law (if the person is drinking and driving, or using illegal drugs) • threatens financial stability • harms relationships and friends • causes problems with work or school How are family members affected? Family members usually learn ways to cope with problems connected to addiction. They may: • communicate less • avoid talking about the problem or expressing their feelings • hide the addiction from the community • take on responsibilities neglected by the person with the addiction • feel frustrated, angry, resentful, lonely, scared, and ashamed Source: Centre for Addiction & Mental Health Should I get help with my addiction? How can you tell if you need help with alcohol, tobacco, other drugs or gambling? Answer the following questions in this selfassessment. They will help you decide. • Does the time you spend on your addiction take you away from family and friends? Do you ever lose track of time and stay away longer than you planned? ? Yes ? No • Are you having financial problems because so much of your money goes to alcohol, tobacco, other drugs or gambling? Do you often spend more money than planned? ? Yes ? No • Are you having relationship problems with family or with friends because of your activity? Have family or friends ever told you that they think you have a problem? ? Yes ? No • Have you had problems with your responsibilities at home, work, or school because of your activity or use? ? Yes ? No • Has your physical health changed? Do you feel tired, sick, or stressed? Do physical activities that used to be normal now make you tired? ? Yes ? No If you answered yes to any of these questions, it may be time to make a change. Source: Nova Scotia Addiction Services What Is Addiction? If you or someone you know needs help, you don’t have to do this alone. Please refer to page 117 for getting help.
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