People with addiction “lose control of their actions.” That is according to the National Institute of Health. Addiction inhibits a person from successfully engaging in and completing everyday tasks. For example, an addict may have difficulty holding a job, taking care of a family, or staying in school. Addiction affects a person’s ability to maintain meaningful relationships and puts an economic strain on personal or joint accounts. It can fracture one’s mental and physical well-being and makes it difficult to cope with everyday life.
Recognizing the mental and physical signs of addiction is essential in helping you or a loved one seek the most effective treatment. Below are some ways to recognize the signs of addiction (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services):
Mental & Physical Signs of Addiction:
- Feelings of loneliness, depression, or irritability
- Memory loss, insomnia, headaches
- Feelings of anxiety
- Distorted decision making skills
- Withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and shakiness
- Bloodshot eyes or dilated pupils
- Weight loss or weight gain
- Physical appearance has worsened
- Childhood experience of abuse or neglect
- Having a family history of addiction
Addiction and Mental Health
In addition to understanding the signs of addiction, it is also vital to recognize any sign of mental health related disorders. More than one in four adults living with serious mental health problems also has a substance use problem. Recognizing mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, or personality disorders is a huge component to understanding addiction-related problems. Feelings of loneliness, worry, impulsive behavior, or an inability to maintain healthy relationships over time are triggers to recognizing the correlation between serious mental health problems and addiction.
When people struggle with addiction, symptoms includes an inability to complete everyday tasks or hold stable relationships. Below are ways to recognize how addiction negatively impacts someone’s daily life:
Signs of how addiction interferes with daily life:
- Frequently consumed by thoughts of the substance and how to get more of the substance
- Withdrawing from activities once previously enjoyed
- Withdrawing from social connection and has difficulty sustaining relationships with family, friends, or a significant other
- Avoiding medical help
- Refusing help from friends or family members
- Sleeping too much or too little to avoid daily life activities
- Spending large amounts of money on a particular substance
- Engaging in suspicious behavior
- Showing signs of mood shifts or a changes in attitude
It is evident that addiction negatively impacts the person’s mental and physical well-being. Recognizing the signs of addiction is essential to being proactive and helping you or someone you love seek the treatment needed to be a healthy individual again. This begins with finding a treatment center that supports you or a loved one every step of the way.
Covenant Hills Treatment Center offers a faith-based treatment and a Christian drug and alcohol treatment approach to helping anyone recover from their addiction. Our professionally trained staff include pastors, therapists, and counselors to provide the spiritual support needed to fully recover from addiction. Call us today at 888.758.9677 for a free assessment.
