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What is addiction?

Key facts

  • Addiction is when you have a need or urge to do something or use something, even if it causes harm.
  • Types of addiction include substance addiction (such as alcohol, smoking or drugs) and non-substance addiction (such as gambling or shopping).
  • Signs of addiction may include losing control of your behaviour, spending too much time on the habit and neglecting your responsibilities.
  • Treatment may involve medicines, therapy and support groups.
  • Prevention focuses on reducing risks, teaching healthy habits and building support in families and communities.

What is addiction?

Addiction is when you have a strong physical or mental need or urge to do something. It is a dependence on a substance or activity, even if it harms you. You may:

  • have strong cravings
  • struggle to control the behaviour
  • spend a lot of time on the activity

In many cases, the addiction may cause harm to your health and negatively affect your daily life.

What are the types of addiction?

There are two main types of addiction.

Substance addiction is when you continue to use a substance even though it causes harm to your health or life.

Non-substance addiction, also called behavioural addiction, includes behaviours that become hard to control.

Substance addiction

Examples of substances whose use commonly leads to addiction include:

  • Alcohol — drinking too much can harm your body and create difficulties in your life.
  • Smoking — nicotine in cigarettes and vapes is addictive and increases your risk of diseases, such as cancer and heart problems.
  • Opioids — includes painkillers, such as heroin or fentanyl. They are highly addictive and can lead to dangerous overdoses.
  • Cannabis — using too much can lead to dependency and affect your mental health.
  • Stimulants — drugs such as cocaine or amphetamines can harm your physical and mental health.
  • Sedatives — misusing prescription medicines, such as anxiety or sleeping pills can lead to addiction and health risks.
  • Solvents — sniffing or inhaling fumes or chemicals, such as glue, gasoline, butane lighter fluid and nail polish remover is very dangerous and can harm your brain. It can lead to mental health issues, cognitive problems and addiction. It is also called 'volatile substance abuse'.

Non-substance addiction

Examples of activities that can lead to addiction include:

  • Gambling — may create a 'high' after a win, leading to a strong urge to pursue that feeling again. This cycle can develop into a habit that becomes very hard to stop.
  • Food addiction — means overeating certain foods, even when not hungry, and feeling unable to control the cravings.
  • Internet, computer and mobile phone — means spending too much time online or on devices. You may ignore work, family or other responsibilities.
  • Shopping — becomes an addiction when you feel a strong urge to buy things you don't need or want. It can lead to a 'high' followed by feelings of guilt, shame or regret. You may experience stress before shopping and relief afterward.
  • Work — also called workaholism, is when you feel an uncontrollable need to work excessively. This may affect your health, relationships and personal life.
  • Pornography — watching it to the point where it interferes with daily life, relationships or work. It may lead to feelings of shame or guilt and can be difficult to stop.

Both substance and non-substance addiction can have serious effects on a person's health and daily life.

What are the symptoms of addiction?

Warning:

If you are worried about your safety or the safety of someone else, call the police on triple zero (000).

Addiction is a habit or behaviour that is hard to stop, even if it leads to problems. Here are symptoms that someone might have an addiction:

  • You do the activity to feel better: The habit might help you escape from stress or depression. You may feel better or more relaxed for a short time after doing it.
  • You spend a lot of time thinking about your habit: You may plan when to do it next and focus on it more than other activities. You may lose interest in other things.
  • The habit interferes with many other areas of your life: It might make you neglect school, work or family. You might also spend a lot of money on the habit.
  • You find it difficult to control the behaviour, even if you want to cut down on it or stop doing it: You might do it more often or for longer than you meant to. This may lead to a feeling like you can't control it.
  • It affects your health or other areas of your life: It can hurt your health, make you lose money or cause arguments with friends and family. Even when this happens, you may keep going back to the habit.
  • You experience changes in your mood or behaviour: You might take risks or act dangerously. It may lead to changes in your mood, such as anger, anxiety, violence or feeling depressed. You may also notice changes in eating habits, sleeping habits or weight.

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

What causes addiction?

Addiction often starts because it feels good or helps you escape from stress, sadness or pain. It can provide temporary relief or pleasure. This makes you want to do it again and again.

Addiction changes how the brain works, especially the parts that make you feel pleasure. Over time, you might need to do more of the habit to get the same feeling (tolerance). If you stop, you might feel uncomfortable or upset (withdrawal).

Your environment and the people around you can also affect addiction. Examples that can make it harder to avoid starting or stopping include:

  • stressful situations — such as unemployment, losing a loved one or unstable housing
  • childhood trauma — such as abuse, neglect or exposure to addiction at a young age
  • peer pressure or easy access to addictive substances
  • genetics and personality — if you are naturally impulsive or sensitive to stress, you may find it harder to resist certain habits
  • health conditions — such as anxiety, depression, ADHD and bipolar disorder may also increase your risk

When should I see my doctor?

You should see your doctor if:

  • you're worried about someone else's safety or your own
  • you feel like you're losing control over a habit or behaviour
  • your addiction is affecting your health, relationships or daily life
  • you're struggling to stop, even though you want to
  • you notice symptoms of withdrawal when you try to quit
  • you have feelings of anxiety or depression

Your doctor can help assess the situation, discuss treatment options and guide you toward the right support.

You can also call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 at any time to speak to a registered nurse (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria) for more information and advice.

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

How is addiction treated?

Addiction can be treated with a mix of medicines, therapy and support programs:

Medicines — may be used to help with specific addictions (such as for opioid addiction or smoking), to reverse an overdose or to treat withdrawal symptoms.

Therapy — talking therapies, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) may help you change your habits and learn new coping skills. Support groups provide help from others with similar struggles.

You can talk to your doctor about getting help.

Read more on overcoming addiction.

LOOKING FOR A MEDICINE? — To search by brand or active ingredient, use the Medicines information search feature.

Living with addiction

Many services can help you if you have an addiction, such as counselling and withdrawal programs. They can organise specialist help to get you back on track. They are run by local councils, state government health departments and non-government organisations.

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

Addiction in a loved one

Recognising signs of addiction in someone you care about can help them get the support they need.

Signs to watch for include:

  • changes in behaviour or avoiding responsibilities due to the habit
  • money, health or relationship problems
  • changes in weight, energy levels or appearance

If you think someone you care about is struggling with addiction:

  • Talk and listen — start a gentle conversation. Express concern without judgment and let them know you're there to help.
  • Involve professionals — encourage them to speak with a doctor or mental health professional. Family-based support and treatment programs often work best, especially for young people.

Understanding addiction and offering support, not criticism, can make a big difference in their journey to recovery.

What are the complications of addiction?

Addiction can lead to serious problems that affect many areas of life. These include:

  • health issues
  • relationship problems
  • financial problems
  • emotional and mental health problems

Can addiction be prevented?

Addiction prevention focuses on reducing risks associated with substance use, such as managing stress and avoiding early substance use. It also focuses on building support through family, education and community programs.

Teaching children and teenagers about addiction helps them develop healthy habits early. School programs and community activities are tools to guide better choices and prevent addiction.

Resources and support

Overcoming addiction is easier if you seek help. Start by talking to your doctor.

Explore the resources below for more information and guidance:

You can reach out to these services for help and support:

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Last reviewed: February 2025

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