Suffering from alcoholism or drug addiction is horrible - I know, because I've been there. The shame, the guilt, the confusion - you sometimes feel dirty in a weird kind of way, almost semi-human - and this can leave you feeling terribly lonely, isolated and misunderstood.

One of the big issues around having alcoholism or drug addiction, is the fact that even though they are widely regarded as a disease in medical circles, there are lots of people who just don't agree or see it that way. You certainly wouldn't get the same response from people, as if you were to come out with cancer for example, where you'd be given a lot more encouragement and support.

By acknowledging an addiction to alcohol or drugs, there are still loads of people who will perceive you as simply being weak and a failure more than anything else. And that's why I believe so many addicts live in denial for so long - because by coming to terms with their addiction would mean agreeing with those people who do perceive alcoholics and drug addicts just being weak and failures as people.

You convince yourself then that your alcohol abuse and drug abuse is totally under control and manageable - because doing otherwise will almost be like admitting you're a failure and you're also convinced that's how you would be perceived if you did so. There is without doubt a certain stigma attached to being labelled an addict - and avoiding that truth protects you, at least in your own mind.

That's why knowing what your options are and where you can turn to for help are so important. You don't have to worry about the whole world finding out, there is excellent help available that will protect your privacy and dignity.

As with any disease or illness - the worst possible thing you could do - is to do nothing at all. Because the longer you leave an addiction, the worse it will get. And it's a fact that applies to you whether you're sitting there reading this as the person who has the drug/alcohol problem - or whether you're a family member or friend of one.

At this stage you may only think the problem is one of alcohol abuse or drug abuse - and that full blown alcoholism or drug addiction will never happen. In that case you will more than likely be surprised because it's often worse than you think.

So please - even if you're not sure that you or someone you love suffers from alcoholism or drug addiction - be sure to research and educate yourself as to what you're dealing with and the help available out there. Too many people die each year from their addictions - so the stakes are too high not to.