Addiction is more than a question of willpower.
Addictive patterns can involve craving, loss of control, tolerance, withdrawal, repeated use despite harm and disruption of health, work, relationships or responsibilities. Assessment looks at the pattern as a whole.
Treatment may include motivational work, medicines when indicated, behavioural interventions, relapse-prevention planning, family involvement and coordination with other medical care. Some situations require supervised withdrawal or urgent medical management.
What a consultation may cover
The substance or behaviour involved, frequency and quantity, triggers, previous attempts to cut down, withdrawal symptoms, sleep and mood, other substance use, medical problems and the person's priorities are all relevant.
Urgent care: suspected overdose, severe intoxication, seizures, severe confusion or high-risk withdrawal should be treated as medical emergencies rather than managed through a routine appointment.