1.

Addiction is an abnormal attachment that negatively impacts the lives of those who
suffer from it. There are many things people can be addicted to, such as alcohol, drugs,
video games and sex. Like any habit, addictions can be broken. With patience, hard
work, and perseverance, an addict can overcome his/her addiction and live a normal
life.

The website has numerous different ways of defining addiction including behaviour that is out
of control and the experience of withdrawal when a substance or behaviour is stopped. The
term “addicted” is used vaguely at times to describe minor non-problematic attachments to
things such as watching tv shows. In general, the term addiction usually refers to a serious life
altering problem that enslaves the addict and destroys that individual's quality of life.

2. The four C’s on the website are:

Craving

loss of Control of amount or frequency of use

Compulsion to use

use despite Consequences

3. There are numerous signs and symptoms of addiction. One potential link between a sign
of addiction and policing is “injuries under the influence”. Being under the influence
while operating a vehicle, for example, is a recipe for disaster that will almost always
involve the police force. Police officers take drunk drivers very seriously and the
penalties can range from suspended licenses, impounding of the driver’s vehicle, tickets,
and criminal charges.
Another sign that has a potential link to policing is problems with relationships. For example, an
alcoholic can become very abusive and end up assaulting family members or partners. Violence
and alcohol are a bad combination, ask any victim of abusive relationships. There is no doubt
that the police get many calls linked to violence due to alcoholism. Unfortunately, for many
addicts, they usually must hit rock bottom before they realize they have a problem and decide
to get help. Sometimes rock bottom is a serious criminal charge that ends up putting the addict
behind bars for years.

Reference:

https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/addiction