When a drug, activity, or behavior becomes the primary focus of an individual’s life, it causes physical, mental, or social harm to themselves or others; this is called addictive behavior. Anything may cause a person to become addicted or reliant on it.
There are different types of addictions, but a few specific symptoms are typically present for all kinds of addictions. So, how can you tell whether someone has gotten addicted? Continue reading to discover the most common key features that you or someone you care about is on the approach of becoming addicted.
1. Eliminating social and leisure activities
Substance abuse can make some people drop out of their activities. An internet junkie, for example, may decide not to go camping if they know they won’t have access to the internet while they’re there. In the same way, an alcoholic may avoid extended journeys where they know they will not have access to alcohol.
2. Dangerous conduct
Addicts may engage in hazardous conduct to obtain their substance of choice, such as exchanging sex for drugs or money or even stealing to satisfy an addiction. Drug users, on the other side, may participate in dangerous behaviors such as irresponsible driving.
3. Relationship conflicts
Due to their concealment, addicts frequently have interpersonal problems, which can lead to distrust difficulties. Armed conflict and emotional abuse are common when a relationship degrades.
4. Dependency on resolving problems
An addict frequently believes that they can’t deal with their issues without their drug of choice, so they misuse it as a kind of self-medication.
5. Obsessiveness
An addict may spend more time and energy thinking about obtaining more of their substance or even using it in new ways.
6. Secrecy and Opacity
Many addicts use their drugs on their own, with or without the knowledge of others. When confronted with their behavior, they either refuse to admit or deny that there is a problem.
7. Having legal issues
Addicts may face legal issues due to the dangers they incur when they use due to poor judgment. Alternatively, people may breach the law to get their preferred medication.
8. The individual is unable to quit using the drug
In many cases, such as with alcohol or drug addiction, a person has made a genuine attempt to break free from their addiction at least once but has failed.
9. Addiction persists despite health concerns
Despite acquiring illnesses connected to the medication, the individual continues to use it. A person who is addicted to alcohol, for example, may continue to drink even after learning that they have liver disease.
10. Financial problems
If the substance is expensive, the addicted person may sacrifice their budget for rent or food to maintain their constant supply of the drug they’re into.
In whichever angle you look at it, addiction negatively impacts one’s career, dreams, goals, and life in general. The struggle doesn’t only affect the addict but also their families, friends, loved ones, and even the community they live in. It’s important to be knowledgeable and identify signs of addiction so it can be prevented or cured at the early stages. It might be a painful experience for both sides, but it’s the best choice for the benefit of everyone.
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