Recognising whether you have an addiction can be challenging, especially when the behaviour or substance use has become a regular part of your life. However, understanding the signs and symptoms is a crucial first step toward seeking help and recovery.
What Is Addiction?
Addiction is a chronic condition characterised by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli, despite adverse consequences. It often involves a lack of control over the use of substances or engagement in behaviours, leading to significant impairment or distress. Addiction can pertain to substances like alcohol, drugs, or behaviours such as gambling and internet use.
Common Signs You May Have an Addiction
While the specific symptoms can vary depending on the substance or behaviour, common indicators include:
- Loss of Control: Consistently using more of the substance or engaging in the behaviour more frequently than intended.
- Inability to Stop: Repeated unsuccessful attempts to reduce or cease the substance use or behaviour.
- Time Investment: Spending a significant amount of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the substance or behaviour.
- Cravings: Experiencing intense urges or cravings for the substance or behaviour.
- Neglecting Responsibilities: Failing to fulfill obligations at work, school, or home due to substance use or behaviour.
- Continued Use Despite Problems: Persisting in the substance use or behaviour despite knowing it causes or exacerbates physical or psychological issues.
- Withdrawal Symptoms: Experiencing physical or psychological symptoms when not engaging in the substance use or behaviour.
- Tolerance: Needing to use more of the substance or engage in the behaviour more intensely to achieve the desired effect.
These signs align with the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) for substance use disorders. Recognizing these symptoms can aid in identifying the presence of an addiction.
Self-Assessment: Questions to Consider
Reflecting on the following questions can help you assess the possibility of an addiction:
- Do you find it difficult to stop using the substance or engaging in the behaviour, even when you want to?
- Have you experienced negative consequences, such as health issues or relationship problems, due to substance use or behaviour?
- Do you spend a lot of time thinking about, obtaining, or recovering from the substance use or behaviour?
- Have you noticed a need to increase the amount or intensity to achieve the same effect?
- Do you experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop using the substance or engaging in the behaviour?
Answering "yes" to several of these questions may indicate the presence of an addiction.
Taking the Next Step
Acknowledging the possibility of an addiction is a courageous and vital step toward recovery. If you recognize these signs in yourself, consider reaching out to a healthcare professional or a support organization for guidance and assistance. Early intervention can significantly improve the chances of successful recovery.
For more information on addiction and available treatment options, schedule a consultation with us.
