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 situation
• Find someone supportive to talk to
• Distract
• Get active, exercise releases endorphins which help you feel better
• Journal
• Delay 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 problems
• Loss of hope/ feelings of emptiness
• Violence and Abuse
• Family and Relationship issues
• Financial Problems
• Disciplinary Issues
• Work/education takes strain (absenteeism, missed deadlines, etc)
• Injuries/Accidents
• Loss 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 appearance
• Deteriorating Hygiene
• Disinterest in usual activities
• Changes in appetite
• Withdrawal from relationships
• Change in friends or isolating
• Mood swings
• Irrational behaviour
• Pre-occupation with self
• Over-sensitive
• Defensive
• Fluctuations of energy
• Impaired concentration
• Memory lapses
• Dishonesty and secretiveness
• Impaired performance
• Absenteeism
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Financial 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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