When I began to research addictions and compulsive disorders, I suddenly found myself overwhelmed with the unknown.

As a self confessed and recovered food addict and let's not be shy and call it by its true name 'bulimia', I thought I could speak with some authority about how easy it is to become addicted to something. It gets a bit complex when you try to explain and comprehend the whys and the hows and the answers are not for the faint hearted.

When you look at the whole addiction thing, the most common ones that spring to mind are, alcohol, drugs, smoking and food. But how about shopping, gambling, exercise and sex. New addictions include video gaming and the Internet... err I spend up to 18 hours a day on the Internet, does that make me an addict? These are just a few of the many many different types of addictions.

What does addiction mean? Addiction means being enslaved to a habit or practice and it can take many forms. The most common addictions are substance abuse and repetitive, damaging behaviors. Mmm I am obsessed wth watching the television programme Coronation Street, is this a repetitve disorder? Am I addicted to Coronation Street?

There is not one single explanation to as to why someone becomes an addict and there is no simply solution to rectify the problem. There are two factors that come into account with addictions, one the physical addiction and the other the psychological addiction.

Here are some of the key players related to addictions:

Genetics - Enviornment - Abuse - Emotional Disorders - The Substance - Low Frustration Tolerance

Even with the above mentioned, it is still difficult to totally understand why some people become addicts. Could willpower be the answer? In a way, willpower does play a part. Also a removal or elimination of the substance that is causing the addiction should also solve the problem. Not so clear cut. You can live without alcohol or drugs but you can't live without food. An alcoholic for example, has to withstain from consuming it but we have to eat. This is where it all gets a bit complicated. With food, it is a case of balance. Too little and there's the risk of anorexia. This is where a person is addicted to not eating. Then there's the opposite and over-eating can result in an obsession to over eat and can result in bulimia. I spoke to Anne Pilling, who is a counsellor for addictions and she describes the compulsive overeating disorder as "the forgotton illness". This addiction, I would say slots into the category 'Emotional Disorders'.

Addictions such as gambling or sex even, is about getting that 'fix'. The need to reach a high just takes over. If any addiction gets in the way of a normal or typical day, then it is a problem and help can be sought.

It may all seem a little taboo when talking about sex as an addiction and there goes a little snigger but it is about getting that fix and that high and certainly interferes with daily life. The issue can be embarrassing and people feel it is difficult to talk about but it is estimated that 20 percent of sufferers are indeed women. There is help out there, I promise.

I heard someone say 'where's the harm in shopping?' Indeed what is the problem? The problem is not being able to stop. An addicted shopper will literally shop 'til they drop' They will spend, spend, spend, like there is no tomorrow. This is 'retail therapy' out of control. It could be a result of low esteem or a need to draw attention to oneself. Unfortunately the consequences can be extremely serious, with debt problems which can then lead onto breakdowns in families.

Gamblers want to win! It is about beating the system and scoring points. Much in the same way as shopping, too much of it and no finances to support the habit and the outcome is debt and quite possibly, destruction of all that you hold sacred.

Serious addictions, such as drugs and alcohol really are complicated. The news and media contain stories of horrible circumstances surrounding drugs and alcohol. It is tragic to hear about the affect it has on bystanders and innocent people. So desperate is this illness that unfortunately it costs lives, directly and indirectly. It is not always down to class or education. A surprising number of the rich fall victim to both drink and drugs because it is considered 'sociable'. I remember asking someone the question of why she needed to take drugs (and I am referring to what is called hard drugs), her reply left me speechless: "I have it all and need more dreams". My reply, when I eventually found the words was 'Nightmare!'

What about a solution? There is no simple solution. It really has to start from within and this involves complete honesty. You may be able to kid everyone else that you are 'top of the morning' but you can't kid yourself. If you are kidding yourself... your time will come when a decision has to be made. Perhaps shockers such as 'death' and 'prison' or 'bankruptcy' and 'divorce' can be the trigger needed to kick start a recovery program. Let's adapt some Americanism's here and say 'You can do it.' The biggest step is admitting 'Houston I have a problem'.

Where do we go for help? There are doctors and specialists but start by using Google... even if you are addicted to the Internet. Think positive and seek solutions. The road will not be an easy one, you will fall and get hurt. Try and use all that addictive energy and say 'I want to be addicted to getting better'! I may talk lightly but my emphasis is on lightening the heavy load that weighs day in and day out on your back. There is a degree of butt kicking needed too.

You will never know what worms are going to wiggle out of that tin which is your brain but once they are out there, they can be dealt with. I know two experts Anne Pilling and Nikki Thomas-Orler, counsellor and psychologist respectively.  Talking it through with the pro's can help you put things into perspective.

We are all different and it is not always so straight forward when referring to addicts as it is not related to class or distinction. No-one is invincible or immune where addiction is concerned.

Personal:

I can say that incentive was the button I needed to press. I made a decision and I stood by it. It is not a case of 'what a clever girl I am' because my worms bit and bit very hard. I have great friends and a magnificent supportive family. I refuse to have a 'back' button. This is one Alice that has no intention of going through the looking glass. Been there and the T-shirt doesn't fit anymore.

Support groups are beneficial to any addiction recovery program. It works for many and maybe not for the few that find their own way through. The importance is getting through and knowing that you do not have to be alone and instead of being the victim, seek to become the victor.

Here are some helpful links:

www.aa-riviera.org  - Alcohol Anonymous

www.oa.org - Over-eaters Anonymous

www.soshelpline.org - General Helpline

www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk - Gambling Helpline

If you have a story and want to tell us about it, we look forward to hearing from you. Email Anna Fill.