Recognizing an Addiction and How to Overcome It

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When the problems and behaviors of addiction are recognized, recovery can begin. The opposite is also true: if you do not recognize those problems and behaviors, you may struggle with starting down the path to recovery. If you struggle with substance use, you may fear the recovery journey and feel that your substance use is out of your control. You may be questioning when substance use has turned into an addiction. There are many ways to recognize an addiction and many paths to take to overcome it.

Behaviors and Signs of Addiction

The word “addiction” can describe different intensities of behavioral patterns. For example, when you feel wary after cutting down from drinking caffeinated beverages, you may have conversations about possibly being addicted to caffeine. The behaviors caused by a substance use disorder are often described in terms of the addiction’s intensity.

When you dive into the behavioral aspects of addiction, you learn more about potential problematic aspects. These can involve factors such as desire, control, irrational impulse, and consequence. When all of these factors are present, it is time to recognize there is a potential addiction. Addiction concerns can be challenging to recognize and harder to address through various situations, especially if it involves yourself or someone you love.

Behavioral habits, such as cravings for a particular substance to help alter the brain, can be a clear sign of addiction. Struggling with substance use or being addicted to substances can make it easy to ignore aspects of life that fulfill and support your wants and needs. Rather, your priorities become revolved around drinking and/or using.

It is important to recognize when substances overtake life before it leads to addiction. Some of the general signs of an addiction can include: 

  • Ignoring risks 
  • Isolation 
  • Inability to control behaviors
  • Withdrawal symptoms 
  • Physical and emotional contradictions 
  • Abandoning commitments 

A healthy person without addiction can help you identify behavioral changes and address them quickly. However, when you have an addiction, the presence of behavioral changes can be easily dismissed.

If you or someone you love is suffering from an addiction or substance use concern, you may have some physical or psychological signs of addiction that can include headaches, trembling, flushed skin, dilated pupils, or dramatic weight loss or weight gain. Other symptoms include nausea, insomnia, blackouts, depression, and ignored hygiene. The need to use substances to help you relax or aid you in life can drive these continued reactions.

Addiction Can Happen to Anyone

Substance abuse and addiction can happen to anyone. It is not just one situation or scenario where you are guaranteed to become addicted to a substance. The various factors that go into addiction, such as personal experiences, can lead you to substance abuse, even if it is unwanted.

If you or someone you love shows the signs and symptoms of addiction, understand that it can happen to anyone and that there is help available for every scenario. It is common to use substances to alter the brain and relinquish self-control because it may temporarily help to cope with life.

It is best to educate yourself more if you or someone you love is addicted to substances. If you do not recognize the common denominators behind addiction, make sure you understand how difficult quitting can be.

Recognize Addiction 

One way to recognize addiction is whether you can abstain from specific behaviors or using the substance. Regardless of the type of addiction you or your loved one have, it is vital to recognize the warning signs and seek help when necessary. Some of the initial signs of addiction can be changes in your personality, health, and life. However, before recognizing the problem as an addiction, you need to eliminate any medical reasons for health degradation.

Many people have co-occurring health disorders that could be the reason the symptoms exist. Furthermore, it is important to acknowledge addiction when a co-occurring health disorder exists. This is best done with help from professional addiction specialists.

If you struggle with addiction, it can be easy to underestimate the seriousness of the condition. This can further decrease your mental health and well-being when pushed to get help. Therefore, if you or someone you love shows signs of addiction, it is best to seek professional advice or help before accusing them or pushing blame.

A Way to Overcome Addiction

The best way to overcome addiction is to have quick access to a professional at any given time. Having someone who understands addiction at its core and how to treat it correctly can give you access to the right treatment. 

All of the various addictions affect many areas of life, and many treatments are performed with an individual or personalized approach. In most cases, the steps to recovery vary from person to person because the situations are all different.

Starting recovery can include detoxification, behavioral counseling, inpatient or outpatient treatment, and aftercare planning. All of these can guide you or your loved one towards a healthier lifestyle. If you or someone you love struggles with substance use, you should learn more about substance use behavior and dependency. At Detox Center of Colorado, we want to help you stay informed and involved with the recovery process. We know how serious addiction can be, and we have the tools and resources to help you overcome it. Our goal is to help you recognize addiction and provide you with personalized treatment plans that are optimized for your situation. We will help you focus on a solution to get you through the stages of detox and provide you with the guidance and support to continue the recovery journey. For more information on recognizing addiction and how you can overcome it, reach out to us today at (303) 952-5035.

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