Have you ever asked yourself the question “Am I an addict?”

 

What separates the recreational user from an addict? Asking the question “Am I an addict?” is the first step to getting help if you need it.

Craving

 

This is an overwhelmingly powerful desire to use a substance. This can present physically through restlessness, difficulty to sleep and lack of appetite, among others. A craving can often leave a person unable to think of anything other than the substance which becomes an obsession.

Tools to assist:

Leave the situationFind someone supportive to talk toDistractGet active, exercise releases endorphins which help you feel betterJournalDelay the decision to go used

Loss of Control

 

Increased quantities of the substance used. Increased effort that goes into seeking, using and recovering from the substance. Failing to abstain from using the substance.

 

There is chaos that begins to surround the substance user, they stop being able to manage their lives as substances begin to take over.

Compulsion

It feels as though there is an irresistible urge to use the substances, even if you do not want to. The substance user begins to engage in substance use because they feel they have to, not because of enjoyment.

Consequences

 

Continued use, despite negative consequences. Consequences range from mild, such as hangovers, to severe, such as homelessness.

Some consequences include:

 

Legal problemsLoss of hope/ feelings of emptinessViolence and AbuseFamily and Relationship issuesFinancial ProblemsDisciplinary IssuesWork/education takes strain (absenteeism, missed deadlines, etc)Injuries/AccidentsLoss of values/morals (dishonesty, theft, etc)

Some Other General Symptoms of Substance Abuse

Any change without apparent cause can be a clue to substance abuse:

Messy, untidy appearanceDeteriorating HygieneDisinterest in usual activitiesChanges in appetiteWithdrawal from relationshipsChange in friends or isolatingMood swingsIrrational behaviourPre-occupation with selfOver-sensitiveDefensiveFluctuations of energyImpaired concentrationMemory lapsesDishonesty and secretivenessImpaired performanceAbsenteeismChanges in sleep patternsFinancial changes

New Day Rehab is a Drug and Alcohol Addiction Rehab Centre in Alberton, Johannesburg. One of the best rehabs in South Africa. It is affordable, for more information please do contact us.

This post was first published at https://newdayrehab.co.za/am-i-an-addict/

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