Not all addictions stem from drug abuse and more often than not, those suffering with behavioural addictions are stigmatised even more so than those with substance abuse problems.  Many do not fully understand the seriousness of mental illness and the different forms it can take, but by accepting that a loved one is suffering with an addiction, no matter how silly it may seem, you could help someone take their first step towards a better future.
Remove the stigma
It’s important to remember that behavioural and process addictions can be just as damaging as substance addictions. Just because a sufferer is not always damaging their body physically, does not mean there is no damage at all. Behavioural addictions tend to cause serious mental harm and are sometimes more difficult to spot than alcohol or drug abuse, as the addiction may at first just seem like a personality quirk.
Bulimia, gaming, shopping, sex and co-dependency are just some of the behavioural and process addictions that one may fall victim to and must be treated with the same care and understanding that substance addiction receives. Many people still do not believe that these types of addictions are really addictions at all and that can be extremely damaging for someone who is trying to deal with the illness. Try to be there for a loved one and direct those who need it towards the right kind of help – no one should have to go through it alone.
Look for the signs
There are several warning signs that a loved one may be suffering from an addiction, such as partaking in an activity more often than is socially accepted or feeling restless and irritable when unable to engage in their addiction or self-destructive behaviour. However, one of the most damaging warning signs is the inability to focus on anything other than the addiction itself. Academia, career, family – all of these important life events take a back seat when someone has behavioural and process addictions.
Professional addiction rehabilitation paired with addiction counselling is the best way to combat the issues and can help to give someone their life back. Although behavioural and process addictions are often associated with those who already have underlying mental health issues, this does not mean that others cannot be affected. Addiction can become an issue for anyone and can be ‘triggered’ by certain life events, just like substance addiction. This is another reason why counselling is such an important part of treatment, because without fixing the root of the problem you cannot fully cure the addiction.

2-3 units per day for women and 3-4 units for men is the advised amount that the average person can drink each day. Although this measurement is widely known and recognised, many still exceed the advised daily limit without even realising it. 2-4 units averages out at one small glass of wine or one half pint of low percentage lager – anything more than this is likely to take you over the recommended daily amount and could begin to damage your health.
Looking towards a healthier future
Everyone is different and some people may feel that they can ‘handle’ more alcohol than others but this does not mean that there is less or no damage to the internal organs. Alcoholism and alcohol dependency can affect anyone, which is why it is so important that everyone considers the effects that alcohol can have on their body and take steps to towards a healthier future.

According to the NHS, it is believed that around 4% of women and 9% of men suffer with alcoholism and alcohol dependency. However, this figure does not include those who may be suffering with a dependency without even realising it. Many people still believe that those suffering with an alcohol dependency are always drinking or drunk but it is important to remember that this is generally not the case at all.
Look for the signs
Alcoholism and alcohol dependency is not centred on the volume of alcohol one consumes rather it is based on a person’s constant need for the substance. A dependency leaves someone feeling like they a need a substance, much in the way that others need food or water to function properly during their daily lives.
There are many different tell-tale signs that might suggest someone has a problem with alcohol but the constant longing for drink is often the first and most important. If you often feel the need to go out for a few drinks every night or find that you need that bottle of wine to relax and unwind after a hard day, then you could have a dependency. Recognising that you have a dependency before it completely controls your life is the best thing that you can do for both your physical and mental wellbeing.