Coffee addict, shopping addict, Facebook addict, chocolate addict, Candy Crush addict… The word “addict” gets tossed around a lot these days. However, there is a thin line between still-acceptable behavior or recreation and addiction. Often, what can start out as casual and for enjoyment can develop into a full-blown, uncontrollable problem of excess and addiction.
But how do you know for sure if you’ve taken things a step too far?
Many psychologists and experts say that while this is a hard question to answer, there are factors that determine if a person has a psychological disposition to addiction. This means that while some people can drink every weekend, go to the casino every once in a while, or experiment with drugs, there are those who can get on with their lives just fine and there are some who are particularly wired to easily fall into the downward spiral of addiction the moment they even start to try.
These people in particular have what is called an addictive personality.
What is addictive personality?
According to Michael Weaver, medical director of the Center of Neurobehavioral Research on Addiction at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, addictive personality is not really a clinical diagnosis. This is because personalities are highly complex. There is not one specific type of personality that tell you you’re more prone to addiction compared to others, by there are several factors in one’s personality that can combine to make you more likely to become addicted than others.
Signs you have addictive personality
Below are signs to look out for that tell you if you have an addictive personality:
1. Difficulty controlling impulsive behavior
If you tend to be impulsive and find it difficult to control your impulses, then it’s a clear indicator that you may have addictive personality. For example, you may find yourself having a hard time controlling yourself when it comes to shopping for new clothes just to be in with the latest trends. While there’s a normal approach to this, if you find yourself consistently and uncontrollably “needing” to buy stuff just for the sake of buying it, then it is far from normal.
If you’re like this, then it is best to slow down and not let your urges and the rush of excitement direct your moves and decisions. Be calm and don’t let yourself be overcome by your impulses.
2. Inability to commit to goals and stick to values
If you have an impulsive behavior, this most likely goes hand in hand with your inability to stick to your guns. For example, you have set out to save a portion of your salary instead of going out with your friends every night to dine out and get drunk. However, with each invitation from your colleagues, you find it hard to say “no.” You may also plan to stick to a healthy diet due to emerging health concerns. However, each time you see chocolates and cakes, you find it hard to control yourself and you end up bingeing on junk foods–a lot.
As a result, you cannot stick to your personal goals, and even other people may see your so-called commitments as superficial.
3. Constantly stressed out and anxious
If you find yourself constantly stressing about something, this is because you are always weighed down by your inner struggles. You are battling with your addictive personality and regret for giving in to your impulses.
For example, you keep telling yourself you will not get drunk on work days but you always end up drinking and waking up with a hangover and therefore can’t perform well at work. So you feel bad about how you can’t control yourself and how it is affecting your work. However, you still can’t do anything about it and still you end up drinking and drinking every night, feeling the same thing the morning after.
4. Feeling socially alienated
Because you are always jumping between hobbies and activities, you find yourself not really having deep, lasting bonds with people. You always want to fit in and you try hard to be so. You do all these things but find yourself ending up lonely at the end of the day. This is because the bonds that you have made are short-lived and your behavior tend to be erratic, therefore alienating you from what could be deep and lasting connections with others.
5. Mood swings and low self-esteem
Another sign that you have an addictive personality is your negative self-image and mood swings. You find sudden happiness in your cheap thrills, but as soon as the effects wear off, you are left with the negative consequences. Whether it is through excessive eating, your penchant for random and casual sex, binge-drinking, or drug abuse, each time the “high” wears off, you end up dealing with the ramifications of your actions.These in turn make you feel bad about yourself.
One of the best ways to combat all these feelings is to admit that you have a problem. From here, you can work towards a more positive and productive lifestyle and even change the way you look at yourself. Once you have restored a positive self-image, you are more empowered to better approach your impulses, and maybe heal from the effects of your past actions.
If you find yourself struggling with addiction, whether alcohol, drugs, or behavioral, seek help. We’re here to offer a helping hand. Call or text us at 09175098826.
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