It can be difficult to recognize when something has become an addiction.
According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), addiction is defined as a chronic disease that affects the brain’s memory, motivation, and reward functions.
A person with an addiction will experience feelings of craving that substance. In many cases, those with addictions may ignore other parts of their life in order to support or fulfill these addictive needs.
What Are Common Signs of an Addiction?
There are some commonly recognized signs of addiction that everyone should be aware of. These signs include:
- Lack of control
- Inability to stop engaging in the behavior or to stay away from a substance
- Physical effects such as withdrawal or requiring higher dosages
- Ignoring risk factors like sharing needles
- Decreased socialization such as ignoring relationships or abandoning commitments
Typically, a person with an addiction will exhibit one or more of the above signs. The degree of intensity for each of these signs tends to depend on how long they have been battling the addiction.
Recognizing Addiction
When a healthy person notices a negative behavior, in many cases, they are able to get rid of it. However, this is not the case with someone who has an addiction.
Someone with an addiction will often find ways to justify and continue their behavior rather than admit that they have a problem. With real addiction, if it is left untreated, it can increase a person’s risk of illness or develop into a debilitating habit.
If you become aware that you are dealing with an addiction, it is essential to seek help right away.
After you have begun the recovery process, you can also look into sober living homes such as the Tharros House to live in to retain your sobriety.
