Living with someone who’s in denial about their alcohol addiction can be frustrating, overwhelming and draining. They might refuse to acknowledge they have a problem, downplay their drinking or genuinely think they have their alcohol consumption under control. However, their actions can still have a hugely detrimental impact both on their own health and wellbeing and those who are closest to them.

Drug misuse and addiction continues to be an ongoing problem in the UK. Whether you’re addicted to legal prescription drugs, or illicit substances such as cocaine and heroin, drug addiction can wreak havoc on lots of different areas of your life and can have a negative impact on society as a whole. However, drug addiction is treatable and it’s possible for you to take steps towards recovery.

Scientific research is beginning to understand the mechanisms in the addictive process, but we do not know exactly what causes addiction. In this article we look at some of the common factors in developing an addiction.