Addiction Can Be Hard to Notice
Many people think addiction is only:
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Drugs
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Alcohol
But addiction can be much wider than this.
Some people:
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Do not realise they are struggling
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Think “everyone does this”
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Use things to cope with stress or emotions
This can happen slowly over time.
Addiction and Everyday Life
Addiction is not always obvious.
It can look like:
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Eating when stressed
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Spending money to feel better
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Drinking to relax
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Smoking to calm down
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Gambling for escape
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Being online to avoid feelings
These choices can feel helpful in the moment.
Stress and Coping
When people feel:
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Stressed
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Anxious
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Overwhelmed
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Lonely
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Tired
The brain looks for quick relief.
This can lead to habits that:
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Start as coping
-
Slowly become hard to stop
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Cause harm over time
Not All Change Looks the Same
Recovery is not one straight line.
Some people:
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Cut down on some things
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Stop some behaviours
-
Still struggle with others
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Go back and forward at times
This does not mean failure.
Change takes:
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Time
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Support
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Self-awareness
Personal Awareness Is Important
Realising:
“This is not helping me anymore”
is a big step.
Many people:
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Start to notice patterns
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Reflect on their choices
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Want to make changes
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Feel unsure where to start
Awareness is part of recovery.
Addiction and Self-Compassion
People often blame themselves.
But addiction is linked to:
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Brain responses
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Stress
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Past experiences
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Mental health
Being kind to yourself:
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Helps change
-
Reduces shame
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Makes support easier to accept
Explaining Is Still NOT Excusing
Understanding addiction:
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Explains behaviour
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Does NOT excuse harm
People are still responsible for:
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Keeping others safe
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Seeking help
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Making changes where possible
Both things can be true at the same time.
What Helps at Level 2
Support at this level may include:
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Talking therapy
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Stress management
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Learning new coping skills
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Reducing harm (cutting down)
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Peer support
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Building routines
Small changes matter.
Reflection (Easy Read)
You might ask yourself:
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What do I do when I feel stressed?
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Does this help me long-term?
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Is this causing harm?
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What would I like to change?
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What support could help me?
You do not have to answer everything at once.
📝 Easy Read Level 2 Quiz
Understanding Addiction – Deeper Thinking
Question 1
Can addiction sometimes be hard to notice?
A. Yes
B. No
✅ Correct answer: A
Question 2
Can stress make unhelpful habits more likely?
A. Yes
B. No
✅ Correct answer: A
Question 3
Is recovery always stopping everything at once?
A. Yes
B. No
✅ Correct answer: B
Question 4
Is cutting down a form of progress?
A. Yes
B. No
✅ Correct answer: A
Question 5
Does understanding addiction excuse harm?
A. Yes
B. No
✅ Correct answer: B
Question 6
Is self-kindness important in change?
A. Yes
B. No
✅ Correct answer: A
🌱 Key Level 2 Message
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Many people struggle without realising
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Stress affects choices
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Change is not all-or-nothing
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Progress looks different for everyone
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Support helps
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