People who abuse drugs or alcohol are often the last to know that they have an addiction because they cannot see the signs of their own problem. If you are beginning to wonder whether your habits are just normal social drinking and recreational drug use or a true addiction then you might want to learn some of the typical signs and symptoms associated with abuse. The power of denial can be strong when you are addicted but recognizing these signs in yourself is the first step to admitting that you have a serious problem.
Withdrawal or Isolation
Alcoholics or drugs users may engage in substance abuse frequently at parties or social situations but they can also have a tendency to withdraw and use alone. Isolation is one of the first major changes that happen with addiction. If you find yourself wanting a few drinks by yourself after a stressful day or you secretly head to the bar without telling anyone then you could be developing a problem. Addicts tend to either hide the full extent of their behavior or completely keep it a secret from friends and family.
Lying and Deceitfulness
To cover up their behavior and keep it secret from those around them addicts can inadvertently become very dishonest. Have you ever lied about your drinking or drug use to the people close to you? People who have never had a problem with lying suddenly become very deceitful and insincere while under the influence of an addiction.
Frequent Mood Swings
Using drugs can take its toll on your emotions as many people begin to develop problems with depression, anxiety and experience erratic mood swings. If you feel irritable or depressed when you are sober then these are signs withdrawal from an addiction. Your friends and family may notice that you have wild mood swings that affect them negatively. This can be one of the major symptoms of alcoholism or drug addiction.
Financial Problems
A person with an addiction begins to spend all their time and money on the substance they are addicted to. Illegal drugs can especially cause financial issues because they are often expensive and highly addictive. If you have ever drained your bank account or had to borrow money from a friend to support your habit then this is a clear sign of addiction.
Losing Friends/Relationship Problems
The combination of all the symptoms of addiction can lead to failed relationships and even close friends leaving your side. Lying, isolating themselves and bad mood swings can make an addict difficult to be around. Some people might be upset with your behavior and find it hard to see you harming yourself all the time. If you have lost any friends or significant others because of your drug or alcohol habit then this could indicate a problem with addiction.
It can be hard for an addict to understand that they have a problem. Being aware of the signs of addiction and noticing them in yourself is not easy but can lead you to finally recognize that you need help.
Cindy Nichols, treatment advisor and intervention specialist at Recovery Now, helps people through drug and alcohol addiction recovery.
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