What is Addiction?

Addiction can be loosely defined as the harmful compulsive need; for and use of a habit-forming substance (alcohol, heroin, nicotine, etc.) and/or the involvement in an activity (gambling, spending money, viewing pornography, internet, exercise, etc.) characterized by tolerance (the need for more) and by well-defined physiological symptoms of withdrawal (physical and/or psychological).

How Do I Know if I Have a Problem?

This information includes a list of questions to ask yourself if you think you may have a problem with drugs and/or alcohol: Do I Have a Problem?

What Types of Addiction Exist?

Addiction is a complex disease. And addiction can surface in many forms. Here is a list of addictions that people may suffer from. Please keep in mind that this list is in no way inclusive of all of the addictions that exist. Please know also that there is help, and hope, for sufferers of all types of addictions.

• Alcoholism/Alcohol Addiction
• Caffeine Addiction
• Drug Addiction
• Eating Disorders
• Gambling Addiction
• Internet Addiction
• Love Addiction
• Nicotine Addiction
• Pornography Addiction
• Prescription Drug Addiction
• Sex Addiction
• Shopping Addiction
• Sugar Addiction
• Video Game Addiction
• Work Addiction

What Help Exists for the Addict?

If you or a loved one are suffering from an addiction, there are many sources of help available. Among the places you can contact are:

• Your family doctor
• Local hospital
• Treatment facility: inpatient or outpatient
• Private counseling
• Your employee assistance program/EAP
• 12-Step programs
• Other self-help and support groups
• Member of the clergy

If you need immediate help, call the Drug and Alcohol Hotline at the Reading Hospital and Medical Center at (610) 988-8186 or Treatment Access and Services Center (TASC) at (610) 375-4426.