Addiction affects the brain, emotions, and behavior, making it difficult to stop even when someone wants to. It can appear in many forms—from alcohol, prescription or illicit drugs, and gambling to compulsive behaviors like gaming or internet use.
Addiction isn’t about weakness or poor choices. It happens because:
Understanding addiction helps you recognize the patterns that keep the cycle going and lays the foundation for making informed, empowered choices about recovery.
Emergency: 000
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Directline: 24/7 Drug and Alcohol Counselling: 1800 888 236
1800RESPECT 24/7 support for people experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence: 1800 737 732
13YARN 24/7 crisis support for Aboriginal and Torresstrait Islander People: 13 92 76
Mensline 24/7 support for men: 1300 78 99 78
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