Welcome to the 'Other Addictions' Home Page

Welcome to the TRN Other Addictions home page. From here you can access the Other Addictions chat room and forums, read articles on education or relapse prevention and check for any Other Addictions specific TRN Events.

An Introduction to Other Addictions

Addictions can be formed to any substance, activity or behaviour that allows us to escape from life and its problems. If you have an addiction, you are not alone – an estimated 2 million people in the UK are in a similar situation. Some of the more common addictions are listed below.
 
Nicotine
Nicotine is the highly addictive component of cigarettes and other tobacco products. It acts as a stimulant for most smokers and is thought of as one of the most difficult addictions to overcome. The physical effects of withdrawal from nicotine are actually relatively mild and brief. Often it is the psychological dependency that keeps us hooked.
 
Exercise
Although rare, exercise addiction can be extremely serious, particularly when injuries result from over-exercising. The need to work out or play a particular sport becomes paramount. Relationships, family, work and other aspects of life become secondary. Exercise addiction is often associated with eating disorders in which weight gain and calorie control are issues.
 
Work
Workaholics or work addicts are obsessed with work to the point of exhaustion and gross neglect of their personal lives and relationships. If you are often tired, rarely take a holiday or go out socially, work at weekends and miss important family dates, you could be a work addict.

Caffeine
Many people rely on caffeine to help concentration and alleviate tiredness. But caffeine has many negative side effects. High levels in the body can make us irritable, disturb our sleep and cause palpitations and concentration problems. In the long-term it can also lead to gastric and heart problems and increase our risk of osteoporosis.

Computers
Now that most households have access to a computer and the Internet, this type of addiction is becoming more common. People of all ages spend countless hours glued to their computer at the expense of their relationships and health. Meeting people online, playing games, or simply surfing the Web provides an escape from the problems of everyday life.
 
Solvents
‘Volatile substance abuse’ or ‘glue sniffing’ is the inhalation of substances such as aerosols (particularly deodorants), glues, lighter fuel, paints, paint thinners, some cleaning agents, nail varnishes and removers to create a feeling of intoxication. Some substances, such as lighter fuel, are particularly dangerous and can even cause death.

Shopping
Compulsive shopping is a way of avoiding unpleasant reality, and creates a high that can cause us to lose control and make purchases that we don’t need. Afterwards we feel overwhelmed by shame, guilt, and despair. Finding ourselves in debt and fearing discovery can lead to more denial and desperate acts to cover up our behaviour.