Addiction is when a person keeps doing something – even if it’s hurting them – because their brain and body have come to rely on it. It’s not about being weak or lacking in willpower. It is an illness.
Note from Author: I wrote this simple, easy to read guide so that all age demographics can understand the definition of addiction which affects people from all walks of life.
Addiction is when a person keeps doing something – even if it’s hurting them – because their brain and body have come to rely on it. It’s not about being weak or lacking in willpower. It is an illness.
Understanding Addiction
Imagine your brain has a “feel-good button”. Every time you do something fun – like playing a game, eating cake, or laughing with friends – it presses that button, and you feel happy.
But with addiction, that button gets stuck. Your brain starts demanding the thing that made it feel good – again and again – even if that thing is hurting you.
What Can Someone Be Addicted To?
Addiction isn’t just about drugs or alcohol. It can happen with almost anything that lights up that “feel-good” part of the brain – a neurotransmitter known as dopamine.
- Substance addictions: alcohol, prescription drugs, cocaine, cannabis, nicotine
- Behavioural addictions: gambling, gaming, shopping, food, porn
It becomes a problem when the person can’t stop – even when it starts damaging their health, relationships, or life.
The following video by Andreas Hykade perfectly illustrates what addiction looks like.
The Bio-Psychosocial Model
This is a fancy way of saying: addiction is caused by a mix of biology, psychology, and social factors.
1. Biological Factors
- Some people are born more sensitive to addiction.
- Drugs and alcohol change how the brain works, especially the dopamine system (the feel-good chemical).
- Over time, the brain starts needing more and more to feel “normal”.
Example: If someone drinks every night, their body adjusts. When they stop, they may feel anxious, shaky, or even sick. This is known as withdrawal.
2. Psychological Factors
- Addiction often starts as a way to cope with pain.
- Trauma, anxiety, stress, and low self-worth are all common triggers.
- People may use substances to numb their feelings or escape reality.
Example: Someone with painful childhood memories might drink or use drugs to block out the emotions they don’t know how to handle.
3. Social Factors
- Our environment plays a big role.
- Friends, family, and even jobs can influence our behaviour.
- Stress, poverty, loneliness, or being around others who use can make addiction more likely.
Example: If everyone around you drinks or uses drugs, it can feel “normal” even if it’s harmful.
Why Don’t People Just Stop?
This is one of the biggest myths about addiction.
It’s not about willpower. Addiction changes the brain. Stopping can feel impossible without help because:
- The brain has rewired to need the substance
- Withdrawal symptoms are painful and scary
- The substance became their main way to cope
- Shame makes people hide or avoid asking for help
How Do People Get Better?
Addiction recovery is about healing, not just quitting. At Abbington House, we help people:
- Understand why they became addicted
- Process past trauma and pain
- Learn healthy ways to deal with stress and emotions
- Rebuild confidence and trust in themselves
Recovery isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey. That’s why our approach is trauma-informed, compassionate, and completely personalised.
Learn more about our residential rehab programme
“It’s Not Who I Am. It’s What I’ve Been Through.”
We hear this all the time and it’s true.
Addiction doesn’t mean someone is broken. It means they’ve been through things that hurt them deeply, and they found a way (even if harmful) to survive. Put simply, the addiction is acting as a solution to a problem.
With the right support, people rediscover who they really are and start living life on their terms again.
Additional Reading
- Alcohol Addiction: The Complete Guide
- How Trauma and Addiction Are Connected
- Help for a Loved One
- Help for Myself
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to explain addiction to a child?
Say: “It’s when someone keeps doing something – even if it hurts them – because their brain got used to it and now thinks they need it”.
Is addiction a choice?
The first use might be a choice, but addiction itself is not. It changes the brain, and that makes stopping incredibly difficult without support.
Can trauma cause addiction?
Yes. Many people who struggle with addiction have experienced trauma like abuse, neglect, bullying, or loss.
What’s the difference between a bad habit and addiction?
A habit can usually be broken with effort. Addiction keeps going even when someone wants to stop because it involves physical and emotional dependence.
Where can I get help in the UK?
You can speak to your GP, find a private rehab like Abbington House, or contact addiction charities like Change Grow Live or Turning Point.
Need Support?
Whether you’re struggling yourself or worried about someone else, you’re not alone. At Abbington House, we’re here to help without judgment.
Contact us today for confidential advice
