ARA
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH //
What is addiction?
‘Not having control over doing, taking, or using something to the point where it could be harmful to you’
(NHS website 2015)
It’s often associated with gambling, drugs and alcohol, but not limited to these and it is possible to be addicted to just about anything including work, the internet or online shopping
According to the charity Action on Addiction, 1 in 3 people are addicted to something.
What causes addiction?
There are many reason why someone may develop an addiction including:
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The enjoyment they feel, both physically and mentally from doing, taking or using something that creates a powerful urge to do it again which develops into a habit
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Emotional avoidance
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Environmental, financial or social factors
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Personal or genetic history
Early warning signs of addiction?
There are many reason why someone may develop an addiction including:
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Lack of control, or inability to stay away from substance or behaviour
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Reduced socialising or lack of interest in usual hobbies, interests or education
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Needing to do it more and more to satisfy a craving and achieve the "high”
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Personality or mood changes
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Problems sleeping or fatigue
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Lying or crime
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Ignoring the negative consequences such as poor physical or mental health
GAMBLING QUESTIONNAIRE
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Thinking about the last 12 months have you bet more than you could really afford to lose?
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Thinking about the last 12 months, have people criticised your betting or told you that you had a gambling problem, regardless of whether or not you thought it was true?
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Thinking about the last 12 months, have you felt guilty about the way you gamble or what happens when you gamble?
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Thinking about the last 12 months, have you been affected by someone else’s gambling?
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If you answered ‘Yes’ to any of the above answers you should / can contact ARA Gambling Service
Tel: 03301 340286
If you feel you may need help with any of the above concerns, there are organisations across Bristol that can help provide support for addictions including:
Alcohol and Drugs
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Gambling
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If you need immediate support contact the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133.