Μάθημα : ΑΓΓΛΙΚΑ Β΄ Λυκείου : unit 5, Addictions

A person with an addiction uses a substance or engages in a behaviour for which the effects provide a compelling incentive to repeat the activity despite detrimental consequences.

Alcohol harms young people. Every minute, according to a survey, one person dies from alcohol-related harm. One in three current drinkers aged 15-19 has engaged in excessive drinking. It harms the self, others and society. It affects balance, motor skills, memory and causes learning imperment. It can cause problems at work,in school and in the family, cause cancer and liver disease.It is also an economic issue and can lead to criminality.It is the biggest risk factor for deaths among young people, cause violence and risk sex behaviour.

Anyone at any age can develop alcoholism. But why do young people drik? Because it is made attractive, socially accepted and widely accessible. We can reduce alcohol-related harm among young people, set drinking and purchasing age limits, restrict marketing of alcoholic drinks, provide information and raise awareness. We can encourage community actions. We all have a role to play.

Another type of addiction is smoking. It is leading to millions of deaths, while researchers believe that this number will be increased in next years. As said above, the most frequent diseases caused by smoking are the development of various types of cancer, heart and respiratory diseases. As a result, the global spending on health care is estimated in about millions of dollars.

Passive inhalation of smoke was responsible for many cases of lungs cancer, heart and respiratory problems. What can be done? After years of smoking propagation in 1988, nicotine was recognised as a drug which has the ability to cause addiction in smoking similar to the one caused by heroine. So the best way to deal with it is to get specialised help.

Addiction is a behavior characterized by dependenve on a specific activity byt also on substances. It is caused by smoking, drugs, alcochol, gambling, internet, etc. There are many stages of addictions and as they develops become a way of life. Showing care and understanding, accepting the problem and demostrating responsible behaviour may help solve a large part of the problem.