Addiction Awareness Week 2024.
Next week, from 30th November to 7th December, marks the 4th Addiction Awareness Week 2024, the keystone of the ‘Taking Action on Addiction’ campaign, by the charity ‘The Forward Trust’. This year’s theme, “Addiction affects everyone, but recovery is possible,” sheds light on the widespread impact of addiction and the hope that recovery offers.
At Ibiza Calm, we fully support this vital initiative, aiming to raise awareness, break down stigma, and provide compassionate care for those affected by addiction.
What is addiction?
Addiction is a devastating mental health illness that impacts the user and everyone around them. A chronic condition that drives individuals to engage compulsively in harmful behaviours or substance use, even when faced with devastating consequences. This complex disorder affects the brain’s reward system, creating a cycle of dependency that can feel insurmountable without help.
Addiction goes beyond the physical—it affects mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. It can involve substances such as alcohol, prescription drugs, or illicit substances, as well as behaviours like gambling, (video) gaming, or shopping.
It’s important to emphasise that addiction is not a moral failing, but a medical condition influenced by genetics, environment, and psychological factors. Addiction is NOT a choice. No-one would choose to be an addict, it is painful, miserable, lonely, and debilitating. It is a serious mental health disorder that can happen to anyone irrespective of age, class, ethnicity, or gender.
Who does addiction affect?
Addiction is a global problem. According to recent figures from the World Health Organization, it is estimated that 296 million people used psychoactive drugs in 2021, 39.5 million people are estimated to be affected by drug use disorders, and the harmful use of alcohol results in 3.3 million deaths every year.
In addition to substance use disorders, there are behavioural or process addictions such as gambling, which affects up to 6% of the populace in some countries. Approximately 3% of the world (around 60 million people) are struggling with a gaming disorder (video game addiction). And an estimated 4.9% of the global adult population have a shopping addiction.
Addiction truly affects everyone. Its ripple effects extend beyond the individual struggling with it to families, friends, and even communities.
- Individuals: Addiction can lead to physical health deterioration, mental health struggles like depression and anxiety, and social isolation.
- Families and friends: Loved ones often experience feelings of helplessness, confusion, and emotional pain, impacting family dynamics and relationships.
- Communities: Addiction places strain on healthcare systems, workplaces, and public resources, highlighting the need for collective action and support.
Certain individuals are more predisposed to addiction than others. This could be because of a family history of addiction or underlying mental health problems. Those who have suffered from trauma and abuse, or persons who are isolated and without a support network, may turn to substances or a behaviour as a coping mechanism. The more risk factors a person has, the higher the chance of developing a mental health condition such as alcoholism, drug and process addiction, depression, or anxiety.
Addiction can happen to anyone, there is no stereotypical addict, they come from all walks of life, with differing experiences, diverse histories, and distinct back stories. The similarity is the destruction and damage their disease has wrecked upon themselves and all those around them.
Happily, with the right help and assistance there is a solution – recovery from active addiction is possible. This is why campaigns like ‘Taking Action on Addiction’ are so important, it is the chance to get the message out to families, friends and communities, stamping out the stigma often attached to addiction, and letting individuals and their families know recovery is possible.
Potential signs of a problem with addiction.
Spotting the signs of addiction is the first step toward seeking help. These can include:
- Withdrawal from family, friends and loved ones.
- Increasing disregard of hobbies and pursuits, focus is primarily on substance or behaviour of choice.
- Neglect of responsibilities such as work or school.
- Decline in personal hygiene and care for health.
- Lies, secrecy and defensiveness about how time or money is being spent.
- Mood swings.
- Negative consequences because of using alcohol and drugs, or participation in compulsive behaviours.
- An increase in mental health problems such as anxiety or depression.
Further signs it is time to look at your use of drugs, alcohol, or a behaviour.
- Once you start drinking or using you find you cannot stop.
- You are using when you don’t really want to.
- People are commenting on your use or behaviour.
- Your eating and sleeping habits have noticeably changed.
- If you do not use, you are moody, irritable, aggressive, and restless.
Addiction can manifest differently in each person, so it’s crucial to approach the issue with empathy and seek professional evaluation when in doubt.
With the right tools, support, and environment, individuals can break free from the cycle of addiction and rebuild their lives. It’s not just about ending substance use or behaviours – it’s about rediscovering purpose, joy, and connection.
How Ibiza Calm can help.
At Ibiza Calm, we are dedicated to helping individuals on their journey to recovery. As a premier luxury addiction and mental health treatment centre, our holistic approach provides personalised care in a tranquil, healing setting.
Our treatments and programmes.
- Medical detox: Expert-led, ensuring a safe and comfortable withdrawal process.
- One-to-one therapy: Deep, personalised work with experienced therapists to address the roots of addiction.
- Group therapy: Creating a supportive community where shared experiences foster healing.
- Holistic therapies: Incorporating yoga, mindfulness, equine therapy, and more to restore emotional and physical well-being.
- Family programmes: Supporting loved ones to heal relationships and understand the recovery process.
- Aftercare planning: Comprehensive support to ensure sustained recovery beyond our centre.
We tailor every treatment plan to suit the unique needs of our clients, empowering them to build a future free from addiction.
Addiction rehab clinic in Spain.
Addiction Awareness Week 2024 is a time to reflect on the impact of addiction but also to recognise the hope that recovery brings. If you or someone you care about is struggling, remember help is available, and recovery is within reach.
Here at our luxury rehab centre, set on the idyllic Balearic Island of Ibiza, we treat clients struggling with alcoholism, addiction, and substance abuse, as well as other underlying and co-occurring mental health conditions such as trauma, anxiety, and depression.
For information on all our residential programmes, and for admissions to our Spanish rehab centre, please contact sharon@ibizacalm.com