22/11/2025
The Unseen Epidemic: Who Suffers from Addiction?
The illusion that addiction only happens to "someone else" is shattered by reality. Substance use disorders can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or social status—your colleague, your neighbour, your child, even your doctor. If you or someone you love is struggling, you are not alone. The latest statistics reveal a widespread challenge:
Nearly 1 million adolescents (ages 12-17) are affected.
5.1 million young adults (ages 18-25) are battling SUD.
13.6 million adults (ages 26 or older) are in need of help.
Over 1 million adults (ages 65 and over) are also impacted.
How the Addicted Brain Works Differently
To effectively treat addiction, we must address its root cause: the brain. The brain’s intricate reward system is designed to motivate us toward survival activities like eating. In a healthy brain, the self-control circuit (the prefrontal cortex) regulates these drives.
In people with addictions, this system is hijacked. The brain's drive circuits overwhelm the weakened self-control centre. The result is a powerful, compulsive urge to use substances, even when you know the consequences are severe. This is why willpower alone is often not enough. Effective treatment must work to heal and retrain these neural pathways, a process that requires specialized, evidence-based therapies.
Recognizing the Warning Signs of Addiction
How do you know if a habit has crossed the line into a dependency? The warning signs manifest across every area of a person's life.
Biological Signs & Symptoms
Sudden, unexplained changes in energy levels or activity.
Significant weight changes (loss or gain).
A noticeable decline in personal hygiene and grooming.
Red, watery, or glassy eyes.
Disrupted sleeping or eating patterns.
Frequent sickness, hangovers, or blackouts.
Needing to use increasing amounts of the substance to get the same effect (tolerance).
Experiencing physical or psychological withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit.
Psychological Signs & Symptoms
Becoming defensive or irritable when questioned about substance use.
Overwhelming feelings of guilt or shame related to use.
Using substances to cope with stress, sadness, or anxiety.
Obsessive thoughts about using; planning the day around it.
A feeling of powerlessness over the habit.
Social Signs & Symptoms
A decline in performance at work or school (missing deadlines, calling in sick, falling grades).
Withdrawing from family, friends, and activities once enjoyed.
Neglecting responsibilities at home, such as childcare or paying bills.
Shifting social circles to be with others who share the addiction.
Spiritual Signs & Symptoms
Acting against one's core values and morals.
Lying, hiding things, or stealing to support the addiction.
Consistently breaking promises and making excuses for poor behaviour.
