Addiction is not a weakness, a character flaw, or a choice made by those who suffer from one. Addiction is a complex, chronic health condition characterized by compulsive behaviors or abuse of substances. Brain chemistry is altered by addiction, which means it’s a chronic brain disorder.
Addiction is both physical and psychological. It can involve drug addiction, alcohol addiction, or other substance abuse. Behavioral addictions include activities such as gambling, sex, video gaming, shopping, dieting, exercising, pornography, and being on the internet.
Regardless of the subject of abuse, they share common indicators. What are the symptoms of addiction? Here are some you should recognize and once you do, seek help to address them.
Heed the Signs of Addiction
There are several moving parts to addiction. They are individual to everyone who suffers from them. There are distinct facets involved in each substance or behavior that are the subject of the abuse. There are always unique root causes of addiction that must be addressed as well.
At the heart of addiction is reward. When something makes people feel good, their brains release dopamine. It’s that feeling of euphoria, driven by chemistry, that addicts crave constantly.
Whether someone suffers from substance use disorder or a behavioral disorder, here are some common signs of addiction.
Preoccupation With the Substance or Behavior
A person’s focus on the substance or behavior is extreme. The person thinks about it constantly and will risk everything to engage with it. For example, those with a drug addiction may become obsessed with keeping a supply of the substance available at all times.
Seemingly Powerless to Stop
Many addicts will want to stop, will try time and time again to stop, and be unable to. They believe they can overcome their addiction by making different choices or finding more resolve. But because addiction is a disease, most will need medical and psychological treatment to stop the abuse.
Lying and Obfuscating
Addicts are often pathological liars who work diligently to hide their abuse and pretend their lives are normal. And even when caught in the act of their addiction, they will deny it vehemently. Addicts often turn on those who confront them by blaming them, threatening to harm them or saying they’ll commit suicide. Denial and manipulation are frequently part and parcel of addiction.
Ever-increasing Use of the Substance or Engagement With the Behavior
As time goes on, addicts develop a tolerance to the substance or behavior. That means they need more to reap the same rewards or euphoria. For example, someone with an alcohol addiction will need to drink more and more to achieve the same effects.
Engaging in Risky Behaviors
Those suffering from addiction often will take uncharacteristic risks that increase the potential for injury and disease. Of course, some addictions are inherently risky, including substance abuse disorder, sex addictions, and eating disorders. But addiction can also lead to risks such as drunk or drugged driving or unprotected sex with multiple partners. Gambling addicts may use property with value, such as a home or vehicle, as collateral for their addiction.
Losing Control
People addicted to a substance or behavior have moments of lucidity where they realize they have lost control of their lives. They are probably struggling at work or school, with personal relationships, financial affairs, and more. This can lead to depression, anxiety, anger, and even acts of violence.
Declining Health Status
The toll addiction takes on the sufferer’s physical and mental health is immense. Some outward signs include losing or gaining weight, appearing to be aging quickly, suffering tremors, or losing hair or teeth. Addiction sufferers may develop digestive, lung, and cardiac issues or kidney or liver dysfunction. They also risk developing a co-occurring mental disorder, such as major depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.
Suffering from Withdrawal
If sufferers do stop their substance abuse, they may experience physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. Physical symptoms may include unusual sweating, shaking and tremors, nausea and vomiting, and sleeplessness. Emotional symptoms include irritability, anxiety, paranoia, excessive sleeping, and depression. These symptoms often spur people back to their addiction.
Addiction Is a Disease
A substance or behavioral addiction is a disease. And as is the case with any disease, sufferers should seek appropriate addiction treatment for it. If they are unwilling to seek help for their addiction, there are ways others can intervene. That’s vital, because without treatment, the addiction will eventually be deadly.
Addiction alters brain chemistry, emotions, and even the way the body functions. Proper addiction treatment will address every aspect of the disease. That includes root causes, physical and emotional ramifications of the addiction, and any co-occurring mental health disorders.
Depending on the severity and type of addiction, as well as co-occurring disorders, sufferers may require inpatient or outpatient treatment. It’s vital to find a rehabilitation provider that offers the range of services necessary to address the addiction in a comprehensive manner.
Addiction doesn’t just affect one part of people or their lives. It affects everything, so everything must be addressed. That’s the first step to a solid and lasting recovery.
