Addiction can be a progressive illness; it can change in line with our culture and social situations.  People are beginning to experience addictions in new ways and are becoming addicted to new things as our lives are changing.  Although drugs and alcohol are still the primary areas of concern, experts are beginning to recognise that addictions can take other forms such as gambling, gaming or sex addictions.  There are even detox programmes for those who suffer from an internet addiction (CNET News, 2009).  This is a clear sign that addictions and attitudes towards those who suffer are slowly changing.

It is becoming more commonplace to see an advert for a rehab centre or for a detox programme in our everyday lives, and in some areas more resources are being invested to curb the increase in substance misuse. 

Drug and alcohol use have always been present in society, and in many cases have given rise to misuse of substances.  But it has been suggested that addiction can be related to social factors and life difficulties.  Some experts are even warning that drug and alcohol use will increase in response to the recession and the extra stress people will be under (O'Dowd, 2009). In some cases young people have turned to drugs in a bid to help them cope with the stress of exams and studying (The Harvard Crimson, 2004). 

In some instances people try drugs out of curiosity or as a helping hand.  But often people find themselves enjoying the results of the trial, whether it is social approval, or increased happiness, and this can lead down a dangerous road.  Sometimes it is the cases of people taking ‘accepted’ drugs, such as those available on prescription that causes a great deal of trouble.  There have been reports in the US of individuals overdosing on prescription painkillers as they have become increasingly dependent on them to cope with their pain (BBC News, 2011).  Even in the UK, Over 50% of Gps said they were concerned about prescription drug use in their area (BBC News, 2011)

Reports such as this only go to demonstrate the changing nature of addiction and the need for further research in ways to prevent dependency and how to help those who fall into the dangerous trap of addiction.

CNET News. (2009). America's first Internet addiction detox program.  Sourced: http://news.cnet.com/8301-17852_3-10314088-71.html

O'Dowd.   Recession could increase alcohol and drug addiction and mental health problems, watchdog warns

BMJ 2009; 339 doi: 10.1136/bmj.b3361 (Published 17 August 2009)

Cite this as: BMJ 2009;339:b3361

The Harvard Crimson.  (2004).  Students Turn To Drugs To Study.  Sourced: http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2004/1/26/students-turn-to-drugs-to-study/