Is My Drug Addiction Serious?

What Is Addiction?

Addiction happens when the brain is hijacked and becomes addicted to certain substances like alcohol or other drugs. As people continue to use, it becomes more difficult to stop.

The addiction can be difficult to overcome the longer the person continues to use the substance.

Is My Addiction Serious?

Here are 5 questions to ask yourself if you think your addiction may be out of control. Never be afraid to ask for help.

1. Family and Friends Show Concern

Your friends and family are the closest people in your life who see you and know the true you. If they’ve expressed concern over your using drugs or noticed changes in your behaviors, it’s best to consult them and listen to their thoughts. It’s important to remember that addiction affects not only you but all those closest to you as well.

Friends and family are usually the ones who stage an intervention. If they’ve shown true concern about you, it may be time to start looking for help.

2. You Have Withdrawal Symptoms

After using the substance, you may feel withdrawal symptoms. They can include:

• nausea
• headaches
• irritability
• shaking
• sweating
• confusion
• cramping

This is not an exhaustive list as withdrawal symptoms can vary from person to person and the drug involved.

3. You’ve Found It Challenging to Stop Using the Drug

A large indicator that you may have a severe addiction is desiring to stop and even trying to quit, but being unable to. This shows that your body is already addicted to the drug, making it extremely difficult to stop on your own.

4. You’re Hiding the Use from Others

Would you be comfortable being upfront about what you’ve been doing or who you’ve been with? If not, then you’re hiding the fact that you may have a problem. People who have nothing to hide would not lie to others about their whereabouts or activities.

5. Physical and Behavioral Changes

Addiction has a way of changing your behavior and even physical signs.

Physical symptoms can include:

• weight loss or weight gain
• bloodshot eyes
• bloody noses
• bad breath
• appearing fatigued
• lack of proper hygiene

Behavioral changes can include:

• loss of interests or other activities
• loss of a job or expelled from school
• difficulty doing daily tasks like cooking or driving
• participate in risky behaviors
• lying
• isolation

There are other behavioral changes associated with addiction, and they depend on the situation and the type of substance abuse.