What to Look Out For in a disease that affects millions of people worldwide

Addiction is a chronic and progressive disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a condition where an individual is compulsively seeking and using a substance or engaging in a behavior, despite its harmful consequences. Addiction can affect anyone, regardless of their age, gender, or social status. It is essential to identify the warning signs of addiction to seek help before it's too late.

In this article, we will discuss ten warning signs of addiction and what to look out for.

It is important to recognize that addiction often has co-occurring mental health issues. Approaching addiction with love and care rather than aggression is crucial in understanding and supporting the underlying causes such as childhood or recent trauma and changes in brain chemistry. Addiction may not always be the primary issue, but rather a secondary issue stemming from a primary mental health concern. In fact, The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that 50% of individuals with severe mental illnesses also have substance abuse issues.

“Addiction is disease,  people don’t shoot for it as their life goal when playing with childhood friends. They wanted to be Nurses, Policeman, entertainers or athletes. However, due to trauma and the inability to cope at that time in there life, we commonly see the use of drugs or alcohol being used as a coping mechanosym.” Ken Sieczkowski – Partner, Entelechy Recovery Group

Increased Tolerance

One of the first signs of addiction is increased tolerance. This means that the individual needs to use more of the substance or engage in the behavior to achieve the same effect. For example, someone who regularly drinks alcohol may need to consume more alcohol to feel the same level of intoxication.

Withdrawal Symptoms

When an addicted individual tries to stop using the substance or engaging in the behavior, they may experience withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on the substance or behavior but can include physical symptoms such as shaking, sweating, and nausea, or psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression.

Loss of Control

Addiction can lead to loss of control over one's behavior. The individual may find themselves unable to stop using the substance or engaging in the behavior, even if they want to. They may also spend more time and money on the substance or behavior than they intended.

Neglecting Responsibilities

Addiction can cause an individual to neglect their responsibilities, such as work, school, or family obligations. They may miss deadlines, skip classes or work, or neglect their children's needs.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), individuals who have experienced trauma are more likely to engage in substance use as a coping mechanism, with some studies indicating that they may be up to four times more likely to develop addiction than those who have not experienced trauma.

Continued Use Despite Consequences

An addicted individual may continue to use the substance or engage in the behavior despite its harmful consequences. For example, someone who regularly uses drugs may continue to use them despite the risk of overdose or legal consequences. This is caused in part by the change in brain chemistry from substance abuse. 

Mood Swings

Addiction can cause mood swings, including sudden changes in temperament and emotional instability. The individual may become irritable, anxious, or depressed when they are unable to use the substance or engage in the behavior.

Social Isolation

An addicted individual typically withdraws from social activities and isolate themselves from friends and family. They may spend more time alone or with other individuals who use the same substance or engage in the same behavior.

Financial Problems

Addiction can lead to financial problems, as the individual may spend more money on the substance or behavior than they can afford. They may also miss work or lose their job, leading to financial instability.

Physical Changes

Addiction can cause physical changes, such as weight loss or gain, skin changes, and dental problems. These changes can result from the direct effects of the substance or behavior or from neglecting personal hygiene and nutrition.

Denial

An addicted individual may deny their addiction and its impact on their life. They may become defensive when confronted about their substance use or behavior and may refuse to seek help.

It is also essential to recognize that addiction and mental health issues often coexist. It is not uncommon for individuals struggling with addiction to have underlying mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, or even more serious issues such as bipolar or borderline personality disorders. , In some cases, addiction can even be a symptom of an underlying mental health issue. Therefore, it is important to consider the possibility of mental health issues when identifying warning signs of addiction.

It's crucial to seek professional assistance early when a loved one is displaying addiction symptoms, as working with a mental health expert and interventionist consultant can aid in evaluating the situation accurately and identifying any underlying mental health concerns that require attention, including understanding the root causes such as potential childhood or recent trauma.