Addiction
Addiction means not being able to control doing something to a point where it could be harmful — such as with drugs, alcohol or gambling. Free, confidential support is available.
- Updated August 2026
- Clinical review pending
- 2 sources
At a glance
- Addiction can involve drugs, alcohol, gambling and more.
- Free, confidential NHS and charity support is available.
On this page (3 sections)
Overview
Addiction is when you cannot control doing something to the point where it could be harmful to you — for example with drugs, alcohol, smoking or gambling [1].
Getting support
Help is available and asking for it is a positive step. A GP can advise on treatment, and there are free, confidential NHS and charity services for drugs, alcohol and gambling [1].
Getting urgent help
If you need urgent help with your mental health, you can call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option, or use 111 online [2]. You can also call the Samaritans free on 116 123 at any time, or Childline on 0800 1111 if you are under 19 [2]. If anyone’s life is at risk — for example through serious self-harm or an overdose — call 999 or go to A&E [2].
Sources
- NHS. Healthy living (Live Well) (opens in new tab) Accessed 12 August 2026.
- NHS. Where to get urgent help for mental health (opens in new tab) Last reviewed 26 April 2023. Accessed 12 August 2026.
About this page
- Written by
- Consumer Health editorial team
- Medical review
- Pending — this page has not yet been reviewed by a named clinician. Read our medical review policy.
- Last updated
- August 2026
- Next review due
- August 2027
Important: This information is for general guidance only and does not replace professional medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Always speak to a qualified healthcare professional — such as your GP or pharmacist — for advice about your individual circumstances, and do not start, stop or change any prescribed treatment based only on this page. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 999. Consumer Health is an independent health-information resource and is not the NHS or a government body.
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