When people think about addiction, we may think of drug addiction, money addiction, sex addiction, or video game addiction. Addiction can be anything. It often starts off as a hobby or an interest. It later turns into something worse when you begin to spend too much time doing or thinking about the activity.
Addiction has the potential to ruin your life. How can you tell if something you do is just a hobby or an addiction? Keep reading to learn a few common signs of addiction to see if you do have a problem.
1: Initial Signs of Addiction
You might not be able to tell you are forming an addiction during the early stages. Oftentimes, you see whatever interests you as an experiment try. It starts to become more habit-forming when you begin seeking it.
If you start to become addicted to drinking or smoking the amount becomes more in number and frequency. When you cannot go more than a few hours or days without drugs, smoking, sex, gaming, or clubbing, you are most likely in the initial phase.
2: Physical Signs of Addiction
Physical signs of addiction are most apparent with drugs but it can manifest with any type of addiction. Typical physical signs of addiction are:
- Bloody eyes
- Sudden weight gain or loss
- Dilated or constricted pupils
- Inability to sleep
- Unkempt appearance
- Altered physical coordination
- Slurred speech
- Irritation
Physical signs can be more severe for those who struggle and overdose on drugs and alcohol, especially for those going through withdrawal. Common signs of overdose are hallucinations, difficulty breathing, delusions, and nausea or vomiting.
They have no control over their actions even when they try to stop. Oftentimes they fight their thoughts about addiction, and for the most part, are in denial. If someone tries to stop them from satisfying their addiction, that person may even disregard harm. They may not care about hurting others or themselves to get what they want.
3: Emotional Signs of Addiction
Most people who have a psychological dependence on something will display obsessive thoughts and behavior. The addiction is everything they can think about and other obligations (school, work, family, friends) are put aside.
Common behavioral signs include anxiety, depression, apathy, suicidal thoughts, and mood swings, unexplained paranoia, withdrawing from others, and lack of motivation. Addiction affects the brain and the way we think. You can read this article to understand how it happens.
This is the reason why holistic treatment which is a treatment concerning the mind, body, and soul to recover someone from addiction emotionally. Right after the physical detoxification, one should get into a good rehabilitation clinic to get into a plethora of holistic treatment. They can work as a great emotional distraction whenever any patient feels an urge to relapse.
Knowing You Have a Problem Before It Affects You Long-Term
We all have guilty pleasures and things we enjoy. However, you have to use moderation with everything. When you don’t, it’s possible it will turn into an addiction.
When you continue to allow, ignore, or trivialize habits, there is a potential for long-term consequences. It can take a hold of your life, damage relationships with family and friends, and destroy your time, career, and finances. You should always seek help when you cannot correct the problem yourself.
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