One in three people suffer from an addiction. However, there is a great deal of misunderstanding about addiction – what it is, who it effects and how to get help and support.
Addiction is the physical or psychological (or both) dependence on a substance or an action. When a person is addicted to something, he or she has little control over their addiction- they feel like they just HAVE to have or do it. Sometimes, with HIV and with anyone, people become addicted or dependent on certain things (like drugs or alcohol) so that they avoid thinking about other concerns in their lives. In reality, addiction makes these concerns worse.
The good news is that there are many programmes, treatment centres, and support groups that can help people confront addiction and build more positive ways of coping. A good source of support is Action on Addiction
