How To Know If You Are An Addict

You Cant Stop Regardless Of Negative Consequences

Finally, if you know a substance is causing negative consequences in your life but cant stop using it, its a clear sign that you are addicted to it.

People are smart. Being an addict doesnt change that. Therefore, whether you can stop yourself from using or not, you know its a problem and youre aware of how dangerous it is.

However, intelligence and the ability to make good decisions can sometimes be stunted by pride and shame. Not wanting to admit theyve lost control mixed with the shame of being labeled an addict prevents many people from seeking the help they need.

Is Addiction A Disease

The American Society of Addiction Medicine defines addiction as a chronic disease. According to ASAM, it involves a complex interaction between genetics, the environment, brain circuits, and life experiences. While serious, addiction is also treatable.

The current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders defines addictions to alcohol and drugs as psychiatric disorders, which are patterns of symptoms that result from substance use. These patterns persist despite negative consequences.

The DSM recognizes substance use disorder caused by ten classes of drugs, including alcohol, cannabis, hallucinogens, sedatives, and stimulants.

You Take Risks And Make Disproportionate Sacrifices For It

The increased capacity of the addicted brain to take risks to get a hit is one of the most studied bits of addiction a February 2016 study actually found that the structure of drug-addicted brains in particular become wired differently, making them much more likely to take incredible risks to reach their high or maintain a supply. The addicted brain has a much lower problem with risk than a normal one: it’ll convince you that it’s a good idea to steal a friend’s bottle of whisky, or nab $20 from your roommate’s purse or play poker online till 4 a.m. when you’ve got a job interview the next day.

There’s another aspect to this risk-taking, too while under the influence of a high, addicts often have difficulty regulating other bits of their behavior, and do risky stuff like driving fast.

Read Also: How To Stop Addiction Urges

Problems In Different Areas Of Life

Signs of addiction can surface in different areas of a persons life. If a persons psychological dependence drives them to illegally obtain and use drugs, they may be subject to legal consequences. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency maintains a list of illicit substances and the legal consequences for people who use them.7

Other areas of your loved ones life that addiction can impact include.4,5

• Participation in hobbies or other valued activities

Why Do Some People Become Addicted To Drugs While Others Dont

No one factor can predict if a person will become addicted to drugs. A combination of factors influences risk for addiction. The more risk factors a person has, the greater the chance that taking drugs can lead to addiction. For example:

• Biology. The genes that people are born with account for about half of a persons risk for addiction. Gender, ethnicity, and the presence of other mental disorders may also influence risk for drug use and addiction.
• Environment. A persons environment includes many different influences, from family and friends to economic status and general quality of life. Factors such as peer pressure, physical and sexual abuse, early exposure to drugs, stress, and parental guidance can greatly affect a persons likelihood of drug use and addiction.
• Development. Genetic and environmental factors interact with critical developmental stages in a persons life to affect addiction risk. Although taking drugs at any age can lead to addiction, the earlier that drug use begins, the more likely it will progress to addiction. This is particularly problematic for teens. Because areas in their brains that control decision-making, judgment, and self-control are still developing, teens may be especially prone to risky behaviors, including trying drugs.

Also Check: Can You Be Addicted To Alcohol

How To Know If You Have An Addiction

To be honest, if youre wondering how to know if you have an addiction, theres a strong likelihood youre already there.

Dont worry, however, the fact that youre asking means youve already covered one of the first steps recognizing theres a problem. After you read the rest of this article, you can take the next step. If necessary, you can admit you have an addiction.

Before we get there, though, its important to read through these 7 important signs. Take each of them seriously and be honest with yourself. While reading this, set excuses and doubt aside.

In the end, have an honest conversation with yourself. If you recognize that you have an addiction, reach out to your family and friends, people you trust.

Then, with or without their help, start looking at recovery programs. Find a place with professionals who know how to treat addictions and put people back on their feet.

Now, lets take a look at how to know if you may have an addiction.

Can You Be Addicted To Someone Sexually Yes

One of the most searched questions on the internet is can you be addicted to someone sexually? Yes, you can! Especially in addictive relationships, sexual addiction becomes a major issue as often times you can feel that the only attention that you might get from your partner would be from sex. This makes you desperate and you try to do anything and everything you can to keep your partners attention, including possibly engaging in activities that you might not be comfortable with. This ultimately serves as one of the major signs of being addicted to a person.

Recommended Reading: How Many People Are Addicted To Alcohol

What Our Community Has To Say

“My experience here at Discovery Institute has been very valuable during my 90 day stay.”

“Dear Steve and Pete, I enjoy my time here at Discovery Institute. I really believe that the structure program is working for me.”

” Im truly grateful I had the chance to be a part of Discovery Institute and had the counseling Ive had since coming here. ”

“Although it was a short stay at Discovery, I feel I got a lot out of meetings, commitments, feed back, and advice from my family.”

My experience here at Discovery Institute has been very valuable during my 90 day stay. I have learned more about myself and the importance of applying the tools Discovery has taught me once I leave. Without the treatment I received here it would have been much more difficult to uncover these fears I am now overcomingWith the help of caring counselors, I was challenged to work on some areas I struggled with. I want to the my counselor for caring about my overall welfare. I have learned a lot from her. She never gave up on me but instead stuck by me until the end because she believed in me. Thank you Discovery Institute for your help. I am forever grateful and will keep all the staff and peers in my prayers and heart.

– Giovanni R

– Brian A

– Christopher C

– Frank Z

Signs Of Drug Addiction

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders, Fifth Edition describes signs of addiction and symptoms of SUDs.5 These symptoms can range from mild to severe in their intensity. Some signs of addiction may appear mild when a person first begins to misuse drugs and worsen as their substance misuse continues.

Recommended Reading: Can Hypnotherapy Help With Alcohol Addiction

Problems Associated With Work Addiction

Although excessive work is often well regarded and even rewarded, there are problems associated with work addiction.

As with other addictions, work addiction is driven by compulsion, rather than by a healthy sense of fulfillment that is common among people who simply put a lot of effort and dedication into their job, or people who are deeply committed to their work as a vocation.

In fact, people who fall prey to work addiction may be quite unhappy and distressed about work, they may be overly concerned about work, they may feel out of control of their desire to work, and they may spend so much time, energy, and effort on work that it impairs non-work relationships and activities outside of work.

How To Tell If You Have A Drug Problem

A drug is any kind of medicine or chemical that changes how your body or brain functions. There are legal drugs , which you can buy over the counter or get from a health professional, and illegal drugs. Its possible to become addicted to both legal and illegal drugs.

Addiction is when theres an uncontrollable urge to consume a drug because of a physical or mental dependence on the chemical in the drug. Usually, this is because the substance has a pleasurable or satisfying effect, or helps to stop bad feelings .

You May Like: Addiction Recovery And Restoration Knoxville Tn

Changes In Mood & Behavior

A person struggling with an addiction will often display changes in their mood and behavior. People closest to them may notice some of the following signs of addiction:

• Drug paraphernalia
• Collections of drugs hidden away, known as stashes, often in plastic bags and wraps of paper or tin foil
• Secretive about parts of personal life
• Withdrawal or social isolation

You Make Excuses When Other People Act Concerned

Healthline highlights the “tendency to make excuses” as one of the key characteristics of an addict. “Despite the concern of friends and family, an addict will almost always deny the seriousness of his or her addiction,” it says. “Making excuses is common among addicts. Whether they know they are addicted or not, they will deny it to others. The person will usually have a number of reasons to excuse their behavior.” Admitting that there’s an issue will likely lead to the end of the addiction, and the addicted brain is deeply averse to that happening, so it will justify the addictive behavior in any way possible, even in flimsy or illogical ways.

Also Check: How To Stop Sugar Addiction Naturally

Signs Someone Else Is Addicted:

• Changes in personality and behavior like a lack of motivation, irritability, and agitation
• Bloodshot eyes and frequent bloody noses
• Shakes, tremors, or slurred speech
• Change in their daily routines
• Lack of concern for personal hygiene
• Unusual need for money financial problems
• Changes in friends and activities

Warning Signs Of Drug Abuse

Use of recreational drugs, over the counter medications or prescription drugs can lead to substance use issues. It can frequently lead to problems at work, home, school, and in relationships, and leave the user feeling isolated, helpless, or shamed. If youre worried about your own or a loved ones drug use, its helpful to know the warning signs and more importantly, that help is available and treatment works.

Common signs and symptoms of drug abuse

• Risk taking when youre using, such as driving, having unprotected sex
• Neglecting responsibilities at school, work, or home
• Legal trouble, such as arrests for disorderly conduct, driving under the influence

Physical warning signs of drug abuse

• Bloodshot eyes, pupils larger or smaller than usual
• Changes in appetite, sleep patterns, physical appearance
• Unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing, or impaired coordination

Behavioral signs of drug abuse

• Drop in attendance and performance at work or school
• Engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors
• Sudden change in friends, favorite hangouts, and hobbies

Psychological warning signs of drug abuse

• Unexplained change in personality or attitude
• Sudden mood swings, irritability, spaced-out, or angry outbursts
• Appears fearful, anxious, or paranoid, with no reason

For immediate help and information on treatment, contact the RedlinePhone: 889-9789

Don’t Miss: What Is The Addictive Substance In Tobacco

How Do You Know If You Are Addicted To Something

The road to recovery, however, begins with recognition. American Psychiatric Association

How do you know if you are addicted to something? Does addiction lie in how the body responds in the absence of a substance, the chronicity of its use, or does it have more to do with ones behavior toward the substance? The concept has ignited a war on drugs by Nixon, been playfully mocked by the late Amy Winehouse, and glorified by such shows as Intervention. A nuanced examination of the medical and cultural language of addiction exposes broader implications.

For example, is there a difference between the increased irritability during smoking cessation, a caffeine withdrawal headache, and prescription medication discontinuation syndrome?

According to the American Psychiatric Association , addiction is a chronic brain disease that causes compulsive substance use despite harmful consequences. Health, finances, relationships, and careers can be ruined. This implies one must be aware of his or her use causing negative outcomes in various domains.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse adds that addiction is a relapsing brain disease based in part on the fact drugs change the brain they change its structure and how it works. We now know that virtually everything we do and how we think about what we are doing causes changes in the brain .

References:

Your Friends Family Or Co

One way to know if you have an addiction is if other people start pointing it out.

People who are close to you will know if somethings off. They may not come out and directly ask you if you have an addiction, but they will notice changes in your appearance, mood, and behavior.

Your instinct will be to lie and hide your substance abuse. Additionally, bringing it up and asking for help is incredibly difficult. If someone who loves you has noticed and is offering you their help, take this opportunity to come out of hiding.

Having just one person on your side who knows about your problem can make all the difference in the world. Dont let pride or shame stop you from getting the help you need and beginning the process of recovery.

You May Like: Why Are Video Games Addicting

Understand That Recovery Support Is A Life Process

Understanding that the recovery process takes time and may have ups and downs will help you stand by their side when they need it. Not everyone has a steady recovery path. In fact, many have setbacks- whether it is a relapse or a stressful stage in life. As time passes by in sobriety, the possibilities for relapse drops. However, it should not be taken as a failure.

Signs To Identify Addiction

Walking down the road of addiction is a life-changing event. Its no easy path to tread, yet such an easy path to stumble onto. With this knowledge in mind, weve identified 7 Signs to Identify Addiction, and assist in recovery.

Addictions come in many shapes and sizes and go by many names. Regardless of what the addiction is centered on, however, it has the horrific potential of ruining your life. Addictions can be the root cause of destroyed relationships, lost jobs, financial problems, health issues, and more.

Do you understand how to know if you have an addiction?

However, 1 in 7 Americans will deal with substance addiction. Substance addiction, unfortunately, has a far greater ability to become destructive in and around someones life.

Shockingly, even people suffering drug and alcohol addiction can remain oblivious to their own condition. Sometimes its because of fear or denial. Sometimes, people simply dont know or recognize the signs.

Were here to provide answers and guidance. Keep reading to understand and recognize the vital signs that point to addiction.

Also Check: What Percentage Of People Are Addicted To Drugs

Who Is At Risk For Developing A Drug Addiction

Not everyone who uses drugs becomes addicted, but there are certain factors that put people at a greater risk for developing an addiction.

• Family history of addiction: Addiction has a genetic component so if your parent or sibling has a drug or alcohol addiction, you are at increased risk.

• Trouble at home, with friends, or at work: Being in an unhappy place in life might cause some people to seek out drugs as a way to deal with their problems.

• Starting drug use at an early age: Drugs affect how young bodies and brains function and grow. This increases the chances of becoming addicted as an adult.

• Mental health disorders: People with untreated mental health needs, like depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder have a higher chance of becoming addicted because they may use drugs as a way to cope. Drug use and mental health disorders affect the same parts of the brain.

• Physical health problems: In the event of an injury or surgery, pain medication, such as OxyContin, Percocet, or Vicodin, may be prescribed for short-term use. However, these opioid drugs can be highly addicting.

• Peer pressure: Hanging around other people who encourage drug use can be a strong factor in developing an addiction.

• Type of drug used: Using certain drugs like stimulants, cocaine, or opioid painkillers, can develop an addiction more quickly than other drugs.

When Someone You Love Is An Addict

Recommended Reading: How To Get Rid Of Food Addiction