Did you know that addiction affects millions of Americans – particularly addiction to drugs or alcohol? The nature of addiction makes it very hard to stop, and there comes a point in many peoples’ lives when they decide that the best thing they can do for their future is visit a drug and alcohol rehab center. But, before that decision can be made, a person needs to first admit that they have an addiction in the first place. And, as anyone who has been through it will tell you, that can be the hardest step of all. So, what are the signs of a drug addict or alcohol addict?
How Can You Know You’re Addicted?
We know – it’s hard to admit that you’re addicted to drugs or alcohol. None of us want to admit that our life is out of control because of a substance that we just can’t stop ourselves from using. But, by knowing the warning signs of addiction, you can break the endless cycle and start getting the help that you need through a rehabilitation program.
While it is often hard for us to admit that we are addicted, it’s a lot easier to make that critical distinction when you know what the 5 key warning signs of an addiction are. So, read the signs below carefully, and be honest with yourself while considering each one.
#1: Your Priorities in Life Have Changed
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Have you noticed a shift in your priorities since you’ve started using drugs or alcohol? As our addictions worsen, our brain becomes rewired to believe that the substance is the most important thing in our life, and everything else comes second. If you’ve found yourself making more and more accommodations to satisfy your addiction, like changing your weekly plans around or caring less about your job, then this can mean that you’re addicted.
#2: Your Personal and/or Professional Life is Starting to Suffer
Addictions don’t get better over time – they get worse. As our brain begins to prioritize a substance over everything else in our lives, our personal and professional lives begin to suffer. It’s common to start putting less effort into our jobs, friends, family, home lives, personal hygiene, etc., because feeding the addiction slowly becomes the only thing that matters to us, and nothing else in life feels remotely as fulfilling.
#3: You Find it Difficult to Focus on Anything but the Substance
One undeniable sign of an addiction is that your attention struggles to deviate from anything but the substance – more specifically, when you’ll be able to have more. During the moments when you’re not intoxicated, all you can focus on is when you’ll be able to be intoxicated again to get relief. Basically, if you can’t think of anything but the substance, that means that your brain has become conditioned to believe that the substance matters more than anything else that may enter your mind.
#4: You Experience Withdrawal Symptoms
Of course, experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking the substance means that you’re addicted, either mentally or both mentally and physically. Withdrawal symptoms can include changes in mood, irritability, physical pain, changes in digestive function, headaches, difficulty concentrating, tremors, changes in appetite, and more.
#5: You Feel Less in Control of Your Life
Lastly, those who are struggling with addiction often feel a loss of control in their life at some point or another. Eventually, the substance has become such a high priority that the user finds themselves behaving in ways that are unusual for them, and making decisions that they normally wouldn’t have. They may find themselves in dire financial situations because of their addiction, or possibly, may lose things that once mattered to them like loved ones or their job.
What are the Different Types of Addiction?
Keep in mind that there are two types of addictions: physical and mental. In many cases, both can be present, and virtually all drugs as well as alcohol involve both types of addiction. So, what’s the difference?
- Mental Addiction: A mental addiction means that the brain is rewired to believe that it can only derive pleasure from the addictive substance. Ceasing to take that substance can cause mental withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, depression, irritability, reduced stress tolerance, brain fog, fatigue, and more.
- Physical Addiction: A physical addiction means that the body has become physically dependent on the substance to maintain a sense of homeostasis. Ceasing to use the substance can lead to physical symptoms like changes in appetite, changes in weight, changes in digestive function, physical pain, shaking, sweating, and more.
How to Overcome an Addiction
The bottom line is that if you are, in fact, addicted to drugs or alcohol, it’s important that you seek out professional help by choosing the best rehab center possible. There are all types of rehab centers out there that can get you through the detox process and provide treatment and care so that you’re able to maintain sobriety. If you’re looking for the right rehab center, or more specifically, a California rehab center, come visit 4 Seasons Detox, where our team of licensed professionals have the tools to help you receive the treatment you need to get clean.
