It’s tough to identify addiction in yourself or a loved one. Here are seven signs of addiction that suggest someone might be struggling with addiction.
exhibit risky behavior
your engagement in behavior that is risky so you wouldn’t ordinarily pursue, could be a sign that addiction is affecting your decision-making. This might include gambling, smoking cigarettes even when you know they’re harmful, or using drugs in ways that aren’t typical.
change drastically in personality
Addiction can change the way you act, think, and feel. If someone you know has been impacted by addiction in this way, they may become more impulsive and volatile. They may also lose interest in things they used to enjoy or develop new addictions out of necessity.
Step 3: have trouble concentrating or remembering information
Addiction can cause someone to have difficulty concentrating or remembering things. This could be because of the drug itself or the withdrawal symptoms that accompany quitting the substance.
lose interest in friends and family
Someone struggling with addiction may become distant from loved ones and friends. They may find it difficult to participate in activities normally enjoyed and might withdraw from social interactions altogether.
experiencing cravings for drugs or alcohol constantly
Craving substances day and night are one of the most common signs of addiction. Someone who is addicted might find themselves unable to resist urges to consume drugs or alcohol even when they don’t want to. Or they might only be able to get through the day without them.
have trouble sleeping or concentrating
Someone struggling with addiction may experience difficulty sleeping or concentrating. This is likely due to the anxiety and stress that comes with their addiction. It can also be a sign of withdrawal symptoms.
neglect their mental health
If someone is struggling with addiction, they may neglect their mental health. This can include not seeking treatment for their addiction, not taking care of themselves emotionally, or engaging in self-destructive behavior.
7th step – spending more money than you have
Someone who is addicted to drugs or alcohol may start spending money they don’t have. This can be a sign that they are unable to control their addiction, or it could be a way to try and get more drugs or alcohol.
lose interest in activities they used to enjoy
Someone who is addicted to drugs or alcohol may lose interest in activities they used to enjoy. This could include not wanting to go out with friends, stopping participating in activities at work, or stopping doing things that make them happy.
8th step – experiencing changes in mood
Someone who is struggling with addiction may experience changes in mood. This could include feeling irritable or agitated, being depressed or anxious, and having difficulty concentrating or focusing.
display poor decision-making skills
Someone who is addicted to drugs or alcohol may display poor decision-making skills. This could include making bad choices with money, going back to using drugs or alcohol even after experiencing negative consequences, and engaging in risky behavior.
have a decreased appetite or weight loss
Someone who is struggling with addiction might have a decreased appetite or weight loss. This could be a sign that they are not eating as much as they used to, or that they are using drugs or alcohol to lose weight.
engage in substance abuse behaviors in secret
Someone who is struggling with addiction might engage in substance abuse behaviors in secret. This could mean that they are using drugs or alcohol in a way that is not detectable by others, or that they are using drugs or alcohol in a way that they do not want others to know about.
Conclusion
If you’re experiencing any of these signs of addiction or symptoms, it’s important to seek help. Addiction is a complex problem, but with the right treatment, you can overcome it.