An addiction is a long-lasting disfunction. It involves the brain system that includes reminiscence, reward, and incentive. It’s how your body responds when you crave a behaviour or substance, particularly if it starts being obsessive or compulsive in the hunt for the reward and non-existence fear over repercussion.

Addiction of any kind, be it abuse of a substance or a behaviour is harmful. It can form an unnatural attachment to something that is damaging. Addiction can be about abusing drugs like cocaine or heroin. It is also about being dependent upon certain painkillers, alcohol, social media, or even sleep, etc. For your health, it is crucial to start treatment earlier to avoid dire situations. However, there are times when the condition of the addicted is not brought to light, which is still alright as long as they get the help they need to get healthier. People don’t wake up one day and plan to get addicted. It happens slowly, over time.

Studies state that approximately 96 % of individuals seeking treatment for substance abuse reported experiencing some major traumatic event in their lifetime. This means that addiction can often be a trauma response and usually it’s just people trying to make themselves forget.

The addiction resource website, Substance Rehabilitation, says that addiction is often a cry for help. It shouldn’t be something that causes stigma around it. That makes it harder for people to seek and accept the help being provided to them. People are uncomfortable around addicts and assume that telling someone to just get over it is helpful. The media doesn’t help with how they often portray addicts as villains.

Common Signs of Addiction

Addiction looks different on everyone, however, there are a few common signs to look out for.

Physical

The physical signs of addiction include people becoming under- or overactive, speech patterns becoming repetitive (they may stutter when previously they showed no signs of it), pupils being dilated and eyes being red. A drastic change in appetite leads to losing weight along with not caring about personal hygiene.

Emotional

Emotional signs of addiction cause people to lash out in irritation, become unnecessarily argumentative and defensive when they are talked to. Furthermore, they lose their ability to deal with stress. More alarming is the suddenly losing interest in activities that used to give them joy. When confronted, they deny, divert the attention from their addiction, and also under or over rationalize the situation.

Behavioural

The behavioural signs of addiction consist of becoming isolated and secretive about activities as well as ignoring work and school. Addicts never seem satisfied with their finances and always require money to get their fix. They might even run into legal difficulties when trying to acquire what they need.

Common Symptoms of Addiction

If left unattended, addiction can lead to serious mental disorders like depression, and other health problems depending on the kind of addiction. It’s important to be aware of common symptoms of addiction.

Health

Obsession

It’s easy to become obsessed when something brings your relief temporarily. Addicts find themselves chasing the relief over and over. Sometimes they even risk larger doses just to feel that momentary distraction that addiction provides them with.

Social

Sacrifice

When someone is addicted to something, they want to ensure that ample supply is available for them. This requires finance which they may sacrifice from their budget. Addiction becomes more important than healthy choices.

Denial

Numerous times people deny the fact that they’re addicted to substances and tend to be secretive about their usage. This might be because they either don’t want to worry their loved ones or seek help. Many believe they can stop if it’s spiralled out of control.

Physical 

Harmful Disease

Inserting illegitimate drugs can cause limb impairment and difficulties with arteries and veins, and often lead to the growth or loss of limb. Habitually consuming an unnecessary quantity of alcohol can be the origin of long-lasting liver complications. For example, a person who’s addicted to smoking has a risk of developing heart disease or harmful lung cancer. Many times, addicts are not even aware of the effect their addiction can cause them.

A Change in Appearance

A person may start to look unkempt, weary, and fatigued, as consuming substances or repeated addictive actions substitute significant activities such as laundry and keeping up appearances.

Summary

Addiction causes people to lose sight of themselves as well as the situation they are in.

#1 Addicts’ physical, social, and behavioural habits are at risk.

#2 Psychological trauma is as harsh and damaging as physical trauma and should be taken into consideration by specialists when treating addicts.

#3 Addicts get a bad reputation, however, they’re often just people crying out for help. They shouldn’t be shunned by society.

#4 You should be empathic to their situation and try to be understanding of their past trauma and what led them to addiction.

Lastly, It’s important to seek the help of professionals once the signs and symptoms have made a regular appearance.