The Warning Signs Of Addiction

Did you know that detecting addiction is easier than treating addiction? If you are in recovery, then you do know this. If you are an addict and have heard stories of the process of recovery, you may know this as well. But do not let the process of addiction and the difficulty that the road may lead you on scare you from seeking help. Although treating addiction may be difficult, it is the most rewarding thing you will ever accomplish in your life. You will regain your life. A life that is healthy, happy, and fulfilling. The road of addiction is a non stop battle with no light at the end of the tunnel. The road to recovery there is a light that will shine through brightly.

Detecting addiction in yourself or a loved one is the first step to hopefully a life long recovery. The one common denominator regardless of what the “drug” is will be distinctive mood changes and visible appearance changes in the addict. (When I use the word “drug” in parentheses’ it is because the drug is not necessarily a substance, but it can be an activity as well such as gambling, sex, shopping, eating etc.) The most common warning sign is drastic mood swings appearing bipolar in nature ranging from happy at one moment to extremely agitated, sad, withdrawn, etc, the next moment.

Sleep habits can change to excessive sleep to getting by on hardly any sleep. The person may seem extremely driven at one moment trying to get a million things done at one time to where the next moment they can barely get out of bed little lone their home.

Changes in physical appearance is another signal to addiction. A person may have extreme weight gain or weight loss. They may stop attending to their physical appearance lacking in bathing, changing clothes, brushing teeth, hair, etc. Some drugs cause damage to the addict’s teeth, hair, and skin. Addicts that use needles will present with “tracks” needle runs, etc. Some drugs affect skin to the extent the addict may present with boil and sores on their skin. Sores on the skin may also be due to side effects of the drugs the addict is using causing itching or feelings of things crawling on the addict’s skin making them scratch excessively. Pupils of the eyes will also appear either dilated or constricted.

Other indicators of addiction are a loss of interest in previous loved hobbies or relationships, financial and legal issues, poor work performance and attendance, becoming verbally or violently hostile, or becoming socially isolated/recluse behavior.

If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/

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