Would you like to know where to find help for addictions? Addiction can lead to physical and emotional issues, debt, crime and even death. Often the root is something psychological, so it’s good to look at the reasons behind why you are addicted in the first place. England is getting healthier, with most youngsters non-smokers and 1 in 5 teetotal.
Addiction to ‘Legal Drugs’
If you smoke, read Finally Free (a pretty illustrated guide by Allen Carr method, which has more success than animal-tested nicotine patches, but the NHS refuses to fund it). The idea behind the method is psychological, to get you back into the state of mind you were, before you smoked. Boodi is a personal ashtray that safely extinguishes cigarettes.
Alcohol Change unit calculator can tell if you are drinking within limits (speak to your doctor if you drink lot, as it may be unsafe to give up immediately). Get free confidential support from We Are With You. Read Drink Less, Live More (a little book packed with tips) and Quit Like a Woman. England produces many non-alcohol sustainable spirits.
Many legal drugs like steroids and codeine (some babies are born addicted) are just as harmful. Read Natural Therapies for Overcoming Opioid Dependency (by the founder of a US drug addiction clinic). Catherine (an acupuncturist) helps wean people off safely, while managing withdrawal.
Addiction to Illegal Drugs
Knee-jerk reactions to illegal drugs does not solve anything. Countries that have decriminalised drugs (it’s still not legal but addicts get help, over arrest) has led to a 50% reduction in conviction and imprisonment, in some countries. Get free help at at FRANK and Narcotics Anonymous and try a popular science-based program at Smart Recovery.
You can report discarded syringes online on public land (councils can download a brochure to prevent drugs litter). Read Kickass Recovery, a book by former addict Billy who asks you to meditate (even if you think it’s silly) and steer clear of those who rain on your parade.
Addiction to Gambling
Gambling often involves exhausted whipped animals living a miserable life, before being killed. Use money you would have placed on bets, to donate to overwhelmed charities that rehome greyhounds and racehorses. Avoid ‘profit juggernaut’ fruit machines that are nearly always stacked against you, and get free help at Gamblers Anonymous, GamAnon or self-refer to NHS National Problem Gambling Clinic. You can also get free help from debt charities.
You are more likely to be killed on your way to buy the lottery ticket, than to win it. This ‘stealth tax’ to let MPs off the hook has had offers of financial help refused by the Quakers, who say that for you to win, someone else (often poor or vulnerable) has to lose. To help good causes, donate to a small charity. Paul Bickley writes ‘The lottery is a system for leveraging public good out of need, greed and hopelessness’.