Have you ever started something you loved so much that it became part of your daily routine—like scrolling Instagram at night, sipping morning coffee, or gaming over the weekend? Now imagine skipping it just once and suddenly feeling restless, irritable, maybe even anxious. That creeping discomfort? It might be a glimpse into what addiction feels like.
Addiction isn’t just about drugs or alcohol—it’s about a brain stuck in a loop, constantly craving, repeating, and depending on something even when it starts causing harm. It’s a chronic condition that alters the brain’s reward system, tricking it into thinking that a certain high or momentary relief is essential for survival.
What Is Addiction?
Addiction is a complex brain disorder characterized by compulsive behaviour or substance use, despite knowing the harmful consequences. It impacts decision-making, self-control, and emotional regulation—making it incredibly difficult to simply “stop,” even with the best intentions.
Types of Addiction
1. Substance Addiction
This includes alcohol, nicotine, prescription medications, or illegal drugs. These substances hijack brain chemistry, creating dependency. What begins as recreational use can spiral into a vicious cycle of tolerance, craving, and withdrawal.
2. Behavioural Addiction
Not all addictions involve substances. Behavioural addictions—like gambling, shopping, social media, or gaming—stimulate the brain’s reward centre in similar ways. Even when they disrupt sleep, cause stress, or lead to emotional fatigue, people find it hard to stop.
Real Stories: Andy & Ethan
Andy’s Story: The Need to Fit In
Andy, a 20-year-old college student, began using recreational drugs to feel accepted by his peers. What started as experimentation turned into a daily compulsion. The rush gave him false confidence, but eventually, he depended on the substance just to feel “normal.” Withdrawal brought insomnia, irritability, and guilt—signs that his brain and body were hooked.
Ethan’s Story: Stuck in the Scroll
For 19-year-old Ethan, doom scrolling began as harmless bedtime relaxation. But over time, it consumed hours of his day, disrupted sleep, drained energy, and affected focus. Even though he knew it made him feel worse, the urge to scroll was too strong. His screen became both an escape and a prison.
How to Overcome Addiction: A Path to Recovery
Recovery from addiction is possible—and it starts with empathy, not shame. Here are supportive, evidence-based steps to begin healing:
1. Reconnect with Healthier Habits
Find joy in non-addictive activities like painting, walking, or journaling. These habits stimulate positive feedback in the brain and gradually replace harmful ones.
2. Develop Better Coping Strategies
Stress is a powerful trigger. Mindfulness, meditation, breathing exercises, and therapy journaling can help manage it more effectively—reducing the need to escape through addiction.
3. Seek Medical Support if Needed
Certain medications can help reduce cravings or ease withdrawal. Always consult a doctor or psychiatrist to explore this as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
4. Talk to a Mental Health Professional
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and other therapies can help identify the emotional roots of addictive behaviour and provide tools to respond differently.
5. Join a Support Group
Whether online or in-person, support groups create a safe space to share struggles, listen to others, and build accountability. You’re not alone.
6. Set Small, Purpose-Driven Goals
Recovery is not just about quitting. It’s about moving toward meaning. Learn a skill, adopt a hobby, or simply set a sleep schedule. Small wins matter.
Final Thoughts: Addiction Is Not a Moral Failing
Addiction doesn’t make someone weak, broken, or flawed. It’s a response—biological, behavioural, and emotional—to unmet needs. But with the right support system, structure, and compassion, recovery isn’t just a possibility—it’s a transformation.