🧩 Easy Read Level 1 Training Pack Understanding Addiction

 

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What Is Addiction? (Easy Read Definition)

Addiction is a health condition.

It is when a person:

• Feels a strong need to do something

• Finds it very hard to stop

• Keeps doing it even when it causes harm

Addiction can involve:

• Substances (like alcohol or drugs)

• Behaviours (like gambling or spending money)

Addiction can change how the brain works.
This can affect:

• Self-control

• Decisions

• How people cope with stress

Addiction is treatable, and people can recover.

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What Addiction Can Involve

Addiction can involve one thing or many things.

This may include:

• Alcohol

• Drugs

• Smoking or vaping

• Gambling

• Eating too much (binge eating)

• Spending too much money

• Internet or gaming use

Some people struggle with more than one addiction.

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Addiction Is Not a Choice

Addiction is not about being weak.
It is not about bad behaviour.

Addiction affects the brain.
This makes stopping very hard, even when the person wants to.

People with addiction often feel:

• Ashamed

• Guilty

• Afraid to ask for help

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Why Do People Develop Addiction?

There is no single cause.

Addiction can be linked to:

• Stress

• Trauma

• Abuse

• Mental health problems

• Pain or illness

• Difficult life events

• Family history

Often it is a mix of reasons, not just one.

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Addiction and Mental Health

Addiction and mental health often happen together.

This can include:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Trauma

Some people use substances or behaviours to:

• Block painful feelings

• Cope with stress

• Feel better for a short time

This can lead to addiction over time.

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Explaining Is NOT Excusing

Understanding addiction does NOT excuse harm.

Harmful behaviour is still harmful.

But understanding addiction helps us:

• Reduce blame

• Support recovery

• Keep people safe

• Encourage treatment

Both things can be true at the same time.

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Can Addiction Be Treated?

Yes ✅
Addiction can be treated.

Support may include:

• Counselling or therapy

• Medication

• Support groups

• Peer support

• Health services

Recovery looks different for everyone.

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How to Support Someone

You can help by:

• Listening

• Not judging

• Encouraging support

• Keeping clear boundaries

• Looking after yourself

You are not responsible for fixing everything.

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📝 Easy Read Level 1 Quiz

Understanding Addiction

Question 1

What is addiction?

A. Being weak
B. Not being able to stop even when it causes harm
C. Being lazy

✅ Correct answer: B

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Question 2

Which of these can be addictions?

A. Only drugs
B. Only alcohol
C. Drugs, gambling, eating too much, spending money

✅ Correct answer: C

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Question 3

Is addiction a health condition?

A. Yes
B. No

✅ Correct answer: A

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Question 4

Can addiction affect the brain?

A. Yes
B. No

✅ Correct answer: A

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Question 5

Can someone have more than one addiction?

A. No
B. Yes

✅ Correct answer: B

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Question 6

Does understanding addiction excuse harmful behaviour?

A. Yes
B. No

✅ Correct answer: B

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Question 7

Can addiction be treated?

A. No
B. Yes

✅ Correct answer: B

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🌱 Key Message (Easy Read)

• Addiction is real

• Addiction is treatable

• Help is available

• Recovery is possible