BinAddiction is as old as time. It’s a chronic condition that has a range of physiological and physical effects. According to ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine), addiction has an impact on the brain’s memory, motivation, and reward functions.
Someone who is addicted craves drugs or other illicit behaviours. They often overlook other aspects of life just so that they can satisfy or support their desires. As is known to most people, it can be quite difficult to identify someone you know who has a problem with addiction. In this post, we’re going to be looking for the signs of addiction:
General Characteristics of Addiction
The symptoms below frequently coexist. Moreover, depending on how long the addiction has been present, the severity of each symptom may vary. Here they are:
• Lack of control or inability to stop using a substance or engaging in a certain behaviour
• Physical health effects and problems
• Withdrawal symptoms or requiring a higher dosage for effect
• Reduced socialization, such as giving up relationships or commitments
• Ignoring risk factors, such as sharing needles despite the potential repercussions
Seeking Help for People With Addiction
A healthy person can typically recognize a bad habit and break it. With a person who is addicted, though, this is not the case. They’ll come up with excuses for their behaviour rather than acknowledge the issue.
To help a person suffering from addiction, you need to first recognize the physical, psychological, and emotional warning signs, such as sudden weight changes or personality changes. If you are suffering from an addiction I would highly recommend getting in contact with Addiction Care.
Types of Addiction
Although behavioural addictions like gambling are equally as dangerous, addiction is typically associated with substance usage. The ASAM defines addiction as the inability of a person to continuously refrain from a behaviour or substance. When a person is addicted, their physical and mental health suffers.
Substance Addiction
It refers to the dependence on any one or more of the following:
• Alcohol
• Drugs
• Nicotine or tobacco
• Illicit and non-illicit medication
• Inhalants of substances frequently found in commonplace objects like oven cleansers, spray paint, or other aerosol products.
Behavioural Addiction
• Gambling
• Using the Internet or other media
• Working
• Shopping
• Playing video games
• Sex
Regardless of the type of addiction, it’s critical to notice the warning signs and seek assistance when necessary.
Stage 1: Early Warning Signs of Addiction
A person may not exhibit obvious symptoms of a full-blown addiction in the early stages. Here are some early warning clues:
• Episodes of bingeing or losing control with little to no regret afterwards
• Experimenting
• A family history of addiction
• Being unusually drawn to an activity or substance
• Looking for situations where the substance or activity is present
It could be challenging to identify whether there is an addiction issue when it comes to basic social behaviours like drinking or smoking. What appears to be addiction can instead be a stage of experimentation or a stress-reduction technique. Watch out for true addiction, though. It can become a crippling habit or increase the risk of getting sick if left untreated.
Stage 2: Personality Changes
Once a person moves past experimentation or the initial stages of addiction, they are likely to experience significant psychological or behavioural changes. At first, these changes might not happen often. Some warning telltale signs are:
• A lack of interest in hobbies or pursuits that were formerly significant
• Ignoring others’ needs or being unkind to those closest to them
• Ignoring responsibilities, such as work
• A tendency to take risks, especially while using drugs or engaging in specific behaviours
• Disregarding the harmful effects of their behaviour
• Definite shift in sleeping habits that causes chronic fatigue
• Increased secrecy, such as lying about how time is spent or how much was consumed
• Over time, they alienate themselves. Addicts frequently surround themselves with people who support their behaviours.
• When confronted, they can try to defend their actions by offering you justifications.
Final Thoughts
Addiction is a long-lasting neurological condition. Despite the damage it does, it makes a person keep repeating detrimental behaviours. Since addiction can cause long-lasting alterations in the brain, it may be regarded as a “relapsing” disorder. To protect yourself or your loved ones from addiction, be keen on the aforementioned signs.