Do I Have an Addiction Problem? Signs You Are Addicted?

Addiction is a disorder that can lead to a series of harmful behaviors or conditions. If the signs and symptoms of an addiction problem are identified in good time, then an individual has better chances of getting the treatment they need to get their lives back on track.

Addiction is diagnosed under a category referred to as “substance-related addictive disorders”

The primary symptom of addiction having a problem with the repetitive use of a substance, which often leads to a series of clinical impairments or distress.

The symptoms vary based on the addictive disorder of an individual

An individual with an addiction problem will find themselves struggling to control their use of a particular substance. They will continue to use a substance regardless of the harm it might be inflicting on their health, even if the destructive nature of the substance is evident.

Repetitive craving of a substance can also be categorized as an addiction problem. Despite expressing a desire to quit on the use of a substance, you will find than an individual is unable to stop using it.

The symptoms of addiction can vary from one person to the other, or from one substance to the other. The family history of an individual and their current circumstance also contributes to the extent of the addiction problem.

addiction problem

Psychological symptoms

Symptoms of substance addiction problems that result in mental disorders exhibit the following traits:

• Inability to resist using the substance

In most cases, this kind of dependence, alcohol, meth, and other substances, the addiction patient would have tried a few times to avoid the substance unsuccessfully. This might be a physiological problem because some substances, such as meth and heroin, can cause a chemical addiction problem, and is the patient attempts to stop using them, they will develop withdrawal symptoms.

Therefore the cycle of using and abusing these substances despite harmful implications on the health of the addict.  The patients continue using the substances even as their health deteriorates. For example, smokers continue to smoke even after their lungs and heart are not functioning as they are supposed to.

• Using substance abuse as a stress-coping mechanism

A person with an addiction problem will turn to the substance for comfort or to relieve stress.

• Obsession

Obsession is where the patient will do anything literally to obtain the substance, including stealing money to get it. In most cases, these people always end up on the wrong side of the law.

• Taking risks

 A patient with an addiction problem can take a lot of risks to obtain the substance of abuse. Some would go to the extent of trading the substance for sex, or stealing, selling drugs, or becoming beggars to get money for the drugs. When they are under the influence of the substance, they might risk their lives, especially if they are allowed to drive or if they engage in violence.

• Overdosing in the initial stages

This is a common mistake that people with alcohol use disorder always make. A person can consume large quantities of alcohol to get high quickly.

Physical symptoms

Using drugs and alcohol repeatedly can impact the normal functions of the body in several ways.

• Withdrawal symptoms

If a person is used to a particular substance, they will experience some physical symptoms when the levels of the substance drop to a certain level, depending on the substance in question. These symptoms can include cravings, diarrhea, trembling, constipation, seizures, or uncharacteristic behaviors such as violence.

• Changes in appetite

Some substances will interfere with a person’s appetite. A substance like cocaine reduces the user’s appetite, while marijuana tends to increase the patient’s appetite.

Organ damage or risk of other diseases

Smoking substances such as tobacco or crack, can lead to irreversible respiratory conditions, including lung cancers and asthma. Injectable drugs, on the other hand, can cause a lot of damage to a person’s limbs or cause functionality problems to their arteries and veins, and at times, this can develop into a complication that can lead to the loss of a limb. Regular intake of alcohol, on the other hand, can lead to chronic liver complications.

• Sleeplessness

Insomnia is one of the symptoms associated with withdrawal. Abusing illicit stimulants can disrupt the sleeping cycle of an individual. Craving the substance might also force an individual to stay up late to attend parties or go out in search of the drugs

addiction problem

• Changing of a person’s appearance

If you are close to someone who is struggling with an addiction problem, you might begin to notice a change in their appearance. They begin to appear more tired, disheveled, and haggard, as using the drugs makes up the most parts of their day. They have no time to attend to personal hygiene. This is the right time to call California Addiction Treatment Center in Auburn. They will take you through counseling and ways to help your loved ones to overcome addiction.