Is it time to say no?

Find out if a friend (or even you) is treading down the path to addiction through these four questions

Music fans across the world were left stunned last week, when the news of celebrated singer and diva, Amy Winehouse broke. Though, there is still wide speculation about the circumstances leading to the 27-year-old's death, the cause of death has still not been established.



While the talented singer continued to battle with fame and depression, even checking herself into rehabilitation following an intervention, her struggle with addiction is not unfamiliar to those of us juggling with the increasingly stressful demands made on our time.

De-addiction specialist, Dr Umesh Mhatre warns against covert addictions, which might not be dangerous in theory but can prove fatal in the long-term. "Addiction can be to anything: food, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, lifestyle gadgets, weight loss leading to anorexia... It's a misconception that they aren't as dangerous," he says.

1. Do they have a tendency to over-stock?
Neuro Linguistic Practitioner, Dr Vijayanand Nair, who works with youngsters with drug abuse problems explains that most of his patients have a habit of overstocking. "Over time, a higher tolerance to alcohol or drugs leads people with addiction problems to increase the quantity and frequency of their intake without showing signs of being out of control," Nair says. You might refill your glass, pop another sleeping pill or even feel you have enough money to splurge at another sale. Ask yourself if you need an early refill with a different reason every time.

2. Do they feel the need to hide their habit to overstock from others?
Mhatre explains, "If you feel ashamed by how much you use, you clearly have a problem." If you are constantly looking for a place to hide your over-stocked stash, you are dealing with the first conscious realisation that what you are doing is not good.

3. Do they always want to be alone?
Nair recalls a certain patient, who would constantly give his family the slip, because he was "working too late".

4. Do they spend a lot of time in the loo?
"I have known patients who have faked their way through stomach problems just to indulge their habit," says Mhatre, adding, "No questions, no red flags, no lies and complete privacy - all you need to feed your addiction."