Can You Recognize Addiction?

“Addict.” What image does this word conjure in your mind?

The word “addict” and “addiction” is often associated with images of desperation, poverty, disheveled clothes, thin limbs lying limp on the streets, and gaunt faces. However, the reality is so much different.

Addiction has many forms

Addiction to substances such as alcohol or drugs can cause a person to have cravings and a compulsion towards using the substance he is addicted to. However, you have to remember that there are other things a person can be addicted to, such as gambling.

A gambling addiction can be a hidden secret, with the person living a life of luxury (or so it seems), until things boil over and financial and mental problems force it into the open. There are also other behavioral addictions that causes one to compulsively seek the deed, such as shopping, video games, watching porn, or even just drinking coffee.

The Signs: Recognizing Addiction

There are general signs of addiction. You can see this in a person by their lack of control in what could simply be a normal situation, withdrawal from social circles and activities that he was once interested in, and the fact that he is wiling to take higher risks than the norm.

You can also recognize addiction by the display of negative behavior. Anyone with a healthy disposition can see if something is wrong and bringing about undesirable consequences. Typically, someone with a sound mind will see this and try to change his ways.

However, for an addict, he will do everything necessary to justify his negative behavior. There’s also denial, to consider. These things allow them to continue their habit.

Changes in personality in someone addicted

Just to hit the point home, here are the signs to look out for to recognize addiction, with changes in personality as a big tell-tale sign:

1. Lack of interest in things that they used to be passionate about
2. Losing or lack of interest in social relationships
3. Becoming more argumentative over little things
4. Unusual sleeping and eating habits
5. Ignoring accusations
6. Denial

Health changes

Addiction will also have a way in showing through in your physical appearance and health:

1. Glazed, bloodshot, eyes or unusually dilated or saucer-wide pupils
2. Rapid and considerable weight loss
3. Unkempt look
4. Skin and nails will deteriorate
5. Scabs from scratching imaginary bugs under skin
6. Injection marks on veins

Mental changes

1. Mood swings
2. slurred speech or incoherent ramblings
3. Anxiety
4. Irritability
5. Aggression
6. Apathy

Don’t ignore the mounting signs. The earlier a person with addiction gets help, the easier the treatment will be. So if you believe that someone in your family or close friends have a dependence problem, offer support, but make it clear that they may require treatment.

Call 09175098826 to find out how you can arrange treatment with Bridges of Hope. We are one of the fastest growing private rehab centers in the Philippines. For Visayas and Mindanao inquiries, call 09177046659 to get in touch with our Cebu-based facility.