Addiction is very simply...human; an extreme degree of common behaviours.

Life for all of us has its challenges. Events can lead us to experience a wide range of feelings such as: passion, pride, stress, boredom, euphoria, rejection, depression. People often have different ways of managing their feelings and emotions, the following diagram is one way of understanding this process:

For most people this is a normal and manageable way of coping. But some can find it progressively difficult to control these coping behaviours, feeling driven to act on them obsessively and compulsively. In addiction people become stuck in behaviours that are progressively negative and damaging.

Obsession and compulsion are very normal characteristics, everyone experiences them. 'Focus' and 'drive' can be useful in any walk of life. But an extreme degree of these traits can be understood as 'obsession' and 'compulsion'.

Obsession
Thinking: The domination of thoughts or feelings by a persistent idea or desire.
Example: Feeling tense in a social situation, continuously thinking about the next alcoholic drink.

Compulsion
Acting: A strong, usually irresistible impulse to act on a persistent idea or desire.
Example: Feeling tense in a social situation, intending to limit the drinking of alcohol, but not being able to do so.

Some of us experience compulsion so strongly, it can feel impossible to moderate or control. Progressive consequences of these behaviours can have more and more of a negative affects on people's lives.

Every industry has its own cultures, values, characteristics, and ways of coping. As we have acknowledged, some people will struggle to manage certain coping behaviours, becoming dependant or addicted to them. The Racing Industry is focusing on 5 main areas of support:

Racing continues to develop support for addiction, working toward its recognition as a treatable medical issue, and not just as a disciplinary matter. The aim is to help people understand addiction, further awareness of available support options, and how to access them...if they want to!

There are 2 likely outcomes for anyone addressing their addictive behaviour:

Aiming to minimise the immediate dangers of using.
Needle exchange, blood borne virus screening, etc.

After considering which approach is most likely to succeed, the next step is to explore the 2 main areas of support:

  Professional Treatment Services
  Self-help Groups