Addiction

Disorders and difficulties Therapies and practical advice Perspectives and controversies

A man watches a film on a monitor, showing a close-up of a scene with two people.

Addiction

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If you think you’ve got a porn addiction, you probably haven’t

People with addictions see relationships, health and careers fall apart. Most people who watch porn don’t meet this definition

by Joshua Grubbs

A woman sits at a cafe at night with a beer and a cigarette

Addiction

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You can want things you don’t like and like things you don’t want

The distinct neurochemistry of wanting and liking is helping to make sense of addiction – and more everyday behaviours

by Shayla Love

a watercolour of a lopsided wine glass on a plain background

Habits and routines

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How to drink less alcohol

You don’t have an addiction, but you know you’re drinking too much. Learn to regain control and benefit your mind and body

by Michael Levy

Black and white photo of two people close together in water, eyes closed and relaxed.

Caregiving

film

Stories of mothers in crisis form a poignant portrait of unconditional love

Directed by Savanah Leaf and Taylor Russell

Photo of a person outdoors smoking, silhouetted against the sky with visible smoke and surrounding greenery.

Addiction

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Mental illness and substance use: genes show a two-way street

Why are smoking, alcohol and cannabis use linked to mental illness? The answer is complex but valuable for mental health

by Jorien Treur

Two people squatting next to large bins in an alley named Bothwell Lane, with old brick buildings in the background.

Addiction

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Recognising the rhythm in addiction offers new ways to escape it

Addiction is not just about biochemistry – it’s also about time, and its hamster-wheel rhythm can suggest other treatments

by Eana Meng & Johannes Lenhard

Dimly lit dining scene with blurred flowers in foreground; two people converse at a table over food and wine

Addiction

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How to know if you’re addicted

Do you feel uneasy about your drinking or drug use? Recognising the signs of addiction can be the first step to recovery

by Rebecca E Williams

Photo of a glass of beer on a reflective surface with blurred colourful lights in the background.

Altered states

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Here’s to my lovely, incandescent relationship with alcohol

Liquid gold, social pass, window on to the past, filter of life experience: my love affair with alcohol has no downside

by Anandi Mishra

Photo of a prescription pill bottle spilling tablets onto an open book with highlighted text.

Addiction

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I made professor before Ritalin. Now I can’t work without it

Once I was prescribed Ritalin, I couldn’t do without it. How had I been a professor before I got my pharmaceutical wings?

by Gordon Marino

Painting of a man in a brown hat and coat, leaning on a table with a bottle and fruit, hand resting on his chin in contemplative pose.

Addiction

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How to talk about someone’s substance use

Worried about someone’s drinking or drug use, but not sure what to say? There’s a counselling approach that can help

by K Michelle Peavy