A broad definition of addiction is that it is a dependency on a substance (such as drugs or alcohol) or an activity (such as gambling) that has become the primary focus in a person's life.  It's characterised by desires that consume people's thoughts and behaviours.  You can read more about addictions on the NHS24 website: Introduction to Addictions.

There are two kinds of dependence:

• Psychological dependence occurs when a person feels they need a particular substance or activity to function or to feel comfortable. Some people come to feel that they need this to be able to cope with daily life.

• Physical dependence occurs when a person’s body has adapted to the presence of an artificial or natural ‘high’.  Tolerance has developed, which means that the person needs to use more to get the same effect. When use stops, symptoms of withdrawal occur.

The local East Dunbartonshire Community Addiction Team (C.A.T) can help you to understand some of the issues that lead a person to dependency and will also discuss the treatments and strategies used to aid someone to break with their dependency and achieve recovery.  They can be contacted on 0141 588 5143.