Addiction is a brain disease that can quickly become fatal. However, not everyone who has this disease is aware of it. Many people believe that they can keep drinking or using drugs without any consequences. Recognizing some symptoms of addiction can give you the tools you need to tell whether you have a problem. These five are some of the most common symptoms.
Withdrawal Symptoms
One of the hallmarks of addiction, withdrawal symptoms, can be incredibly uncomfortable. In fact, many people who try to quit drugs without the help of a detox facility find themselves relapsing to avoid the pain and discomfort of withdrawal. If you notice that these symptoms start to manifest anytime you miss a drink or a dose, there’s a good chance that you’re dealing with an addiction. Some common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Flu-like symptoms
- Irritability
- Insomnia
Using Despite the Consequences
Addiction wreaks havoc on the lives of those who are dealing with it. In fact, one of the symptoms of addiction is continuing to use even when serious consequences arise. A drug or alcohol addiction might result in legal, financial, or relationship issues.
A person who uses recreationally will be able to stop at this point. However, someone who has developed a full-blown addiction will make excuses and continue drinking or doing drugs on a regular basis. At this point, people no longer have control over their own use.
Secrecy and Withdrawing from Loved Ones
For a number of reasons, people choose to keep their drug or alcohol use under wraps. They may think that they don’t have a problem and don’t want people questioning them. Alternately, they may worry about hurting the people they love. Some keep it a secret to avoid confrontation or having to quit.
Whatever the reason, many people suffering from addiction choose to isolate themselves. Not only does this make it easier to fall deeper into addiction, but it also lends itself to developing co-occurring disorders along with addiction.
Increased Tolerance
For many people, the first high is something that they try again and again to achieve. The reality of addiction, though, is that most people can never reach that feeling again. In the quest to get there, individuals start using more or a higher dose. Over time the body builds a tolerance to each new dose causing continued drug-seeking behavior.
This cycle is what perpetuates addiction and even leads people to financial ruin as they spend more and more money chasing that initial high.
Obsessing Over the Drug of Choice
Another classic addiction symptom is obsessing over drugs or alcohol. Those who are addicted either spend their time getting a fix or worrying about how to attain the next one. Their hobbies and passions fall by the wayside as their lives begin to revolve around getting and using drugs. This may even result in stealing, lying, and legal consequences. Individuals dealing with addiction will often do anything they can to ensure that they’re able to use.
Recognizing Symptoms of Addiction
If you or a loved one is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it’s time to get help. At Crestview Recovery in Portland, Oregon, you can receive quality drug and alcohol treatment to help you get back on your feet. Our treatment options include:
- Dual diagnosis for co-occurring disorders
- 12 step recovery
- Holistic drug therapy
Regardless of where you are in the cycle of addiction, we can help. Call 866.262.0531 to begin your recovery journey.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
