The act of being addicted is defined as, “To devote or surrender to something habitually or obsessively.” Addiction does not always have to involve drugs and alcohol, in fact, many times parents tell their children that they are “addicted to” candy, television, etc. While this may be true, addictions can rear their heads at an early age, there is a line between taking pleasure from something and being addicted to it.
The tell-tale sign that the pleasure from an activity has turned into an addiction is when it takes a negative toll on someone’s life. Unfortunately, when substances are involved, this means that someone’s health and well-being are deteriorating. Below are some clear signs that what once might have been fun and pleasurable has now turned into an addiction.
- Reward. Many times people use rewards when it comes to addiction. When you begin to reward yourself with something, such as having a glass wine because it has been a long day, smoking a cigarette when you’ve done a lot of work, or using drugs as a way to wind down, this is a sign of addiction. Rewards often become excuses that the use of these substances is ok.
- Anxious about stopping. If thinking about being unable to have your substance makes you nervous and unable to do your daily activities, this is a sign of addiction. Addicts often skip work or big events when they know they are unable to use.
- Telling yourself, “I’ll do it tomorrow.” If you choose to quit using, do it today. A telltale sign of addiction is when you make plans to stop but revert back to your old ways. If you keep telling yourself, “I’ll stop tomorrow,” you should seek help to end your addiction.
- Importance. Slowly, addictions can become more important than your regular activities, people, and even paying bills on time. When using starts to trump other things in your life that is a sign of addiction.
For more help with addiction recovery, visit The Bergand Group. We have programs such as Outpatient Detox, Addiction Psychiatry and Relapse Prevention and are here to assist you with all steps of your addiction recovery.
sources:
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/hope-relationships/201411/6-signs-youre-addicted-something
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/addicted
About The Bergand Group:
At The Bergand Group in Baltimore, MD our therapists have more than twenty years of experience in the mental health and addiction fields. Our focus is on providing comprehensive mental health care and appropriate care for addictive disorders. We offer both alcohol rehabilitation and drug rehabilitation. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol or substance addiction, there is help available. We also offer several other services, including family therapy and counseling. We can help. Contact us today.
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