Do you have an addiction? If you've become so dependent on doing something that you can't stop and it causes bad things to happen in your life or compromises your health, then, yes, you do. And that means you may need help to kick the habit.

Your addiction dependence can be psychological as well as physical, because it's not just things that you put into your body that you can become addicted to; it's also the things you do — things that can dramatically affect your life.

For example, some of the most common addictions are:

• Gambling
• Shopping
• Sex or pornography
• Internet use
• Work
• Alcohol
• Drugs (illegal and prescription)
• Food
• Nicotine (smoking)

And while we're all susceptible to the problem, addiction rates are highest among young people, aged 15 to 24, and as much as three times higher in men than women.

Prepping for change

Even if you realize that you have an addiction problem and want to stop, you may not be ready to talk to anyone you know — family, friends, not even your doctor. But you can get assistance anonymously through help hotlines that are listed in the find support section or in the phone book. This can give you a start to gradually work toward other, more formal treatment programs.

You should also research your addiction. You can find self-help books and websites that can give you information to help you:

• Better understand your addiction and what it's really doing to your health and life
• Learn ways to deal with it and change your behaviour
• Look past your daily fix and focus on healthy, long-term goals

Watch the video Finding health and wellness information on the Internet for a doctor's advice on getting information to help you overcome your addiction.

There are also plenty of well-known professional support groups available to help, such as:

• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Narcotics Anonymous
• Al-Anon
• Nicotine Anonymous
• Moderation Management
• Women for Sobriety
• Gamblers Anonymous
• Overeaters Anonymous
• Self Management and Recovery (SMART) Training

To find a group in your area, search your specific addiction in find support.

Getting treatment

When you're ready, you will need to see a professional counsellor to have your addiction assessed and a treatment protocol devised. You can find counselling services through your family doctor, community health centres, Employee Assistance Programs, as well as from anyone you know who has been through a treatment program.

Whether you're intent on getting help for your addiction, or are just preparing for the journey, try these links for added inspiration and strength:

• Visualize for inner strength
• 5 tips to find hope, strength and inspiration through journaling
• Anytime, anywhere, everyday meditation techniques
• Online support groups: what you need to know