Blog

Deb Gleeson - 13 August 2017

Addiction can happen when you least expect it....

This week I realised I was becoming addicted…

. Yesterday I got a shock. I went to my operating account where I keep all the money I need fortnightly to live and there was no money in it! When I looked at my statement I realised I had been spending a lot more than I realised on a game on my ipad and iphone.

Yes, on reflection I had to admit to myself that I was becoming addicted to this game. What did I realise about my behaviour and thoughts?

1. I was playing the game for short periods but lot of times a day. I had begun playing it at breakfast and even during dinner at the table. Times I usually talk to my husband. It was the last thing I was doing at night.
2. I was not being honest with myself about how much I was spending. I was not looking at my Apple receipts, just storing them without opening them. It's so easy to spend money within the game. It is usually a small amount $2.99 but it adds up. I was not aware how many times I clicked on that button to get more credits.
3. I was thinking about the game a lot. It was in my mind and I was planning what I would do next time I opened it.
4. The pleasure I was getting from reaching goals was not enough and I wanted to do better and get better scores. This meant that I had to spend money to get things to assist me in my quest.

What is addiction? Addiction is a physical and/or psychological need to do, take or use something, to the point where it could be harmful to you.

What was happening to me was called 'gaming addiction' but there are many things people can become addicted to including:

i) drugs or alcohol

ii) gambling

iii) shopping

iv) eating

v) work

vi) drama

Now thank goodness I realised what was happening to me and deleted the app's from my ipad and iphone straight away. Some people do not realise that their addiction is affecting them. Addictions can affect all aspects of a person's life.

People can get to the point where their addiction affects their ability to look after themselves, e.g. doesn't take or purchase medications and fails to have a good diet. People can become mentally unwell and some people find themselves having suicidal thoughts and behaviours.

Their social, family and work lives can be affected and usually they find themselves in financial difficulties.

If you know someone who is exhibiting addictive behaviours early intervention is important to help the person avoid developing other mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and the increased risk of suicide.

Mental Health First Aid includes knowledge and skill building to assist people with addictions. There is good advice on Gambling Help Online.

Remember, Mental Health is everyone's business.