Addiction’s new face: Gambling and other ‘behavioural’ addictions grip the North Coast

‘Behavioural’ or ‘process’ addictions can be just as destructive as substance abuse and are less likely to be self-diagnosed.

Addiction to gambling, video games, social media, trading, pornography and shopping are among the most common on the North Coast and are on the rise.

They are often found in conjunction with substance addiction (alcohol, drugs and cigarettes) but are less likely to be seen as a problem by their users given their relative cultural acceptability.

This according to Mitchell Curtis, a counsellor at the Wellvale Recovery Centre near Mzwangetwa, inland of KwaDukuza, and Rex Hunt, founder of the Against Drugs and Child Abuse (ADCA) non-profit organisation in Umhlali.

“Gambling addiction has been a massive issue and has continued to grow. This has also crossed over into [online] trading and the multiple trading platforms,” said Curtis.

“Often gambling addicts do not seek help. They are more likely to commit suicide as they do not see a way out of their debt and the shame that follows a gambling addiction among individuals is often the reason for this.”

Hunt agreed that gambling continues to be a major issue.

“We often find gambling affects people who feel isolated and don’t want to be lonely. They feel as if they are part of something and that’s addictive,” said Hunt.

“I have seen people who have taken out a second mortgage on their house to pay their debts. It might not be a substance, but the behavioural addiction has the same mental effects.”

Although behavioural addiction has risen, substance abuse continues to be the most prominent locally.

They agreed alcohol remains the most commonly abused, while specific drug use was dependent on income level.

“For high earners and individuals who work long hours and under high pressure and stress, cocaine is the drug of choice,” said Curtis.

“However, when that becomes unaffordable, the users often then shift to ‘cat’ [a drug similar to crack] and then eventually to crystal meth. Addicts are getting younger and younger, but the most common ages for people to seek treatment are between the ages of 35 and 55.”

Hunt said an average of two out of five people in the area are dealing with some form of addiction.

How to spot an addict in your life

“For me it is most easily seen when you notice someone in your life losing purpose, passion and goals,” said Hunt.

“Addictions often lead to depression and become a mental health concern, at which point you can try to isolate the cause.”

Curtis added behavioural changes such as neglecting family responsibility, constantly borrowing money, lying, becoming overly argumentative during conversations and repeating conversations owing to memory loss are common signs.

If you, or someone you know, is struggling with addiction, there are a number of local paid and free resources which can provide help.

Visit wellvalerecovery.com to learn more about the programmes at the recovery centre and adca.co.za to find out about the recovery programmes offered by Hunt.

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