How To Identify Addiction

What is addiction?

Addiction is a complex brain disorder where someone feels compelled to use drugs or alcohol despite the negative consequences. Changes in behaviour, thinking and emotional regulation mark it. This condition stems from the brain adapting to the pleasurable effects of substances, pushing people to keep using to chase those feelings, even when it disrupts their lives.

Addiction isn’t as easy to spot as you first think

Recognising addiction isn’t as straightforward as you might think, especially when it comes to someone you’re close to. You’d think that knowing someone inside out means you’d spot any major changes right away, but addiction can be secretive, slipping under the radar quite easily.

In its early stages, someone can hide their addictive behaviours, depending on what they’re struggling with. People have their own unique lifestyles and routines that might allow them to conceal their habits without anyone noticing. For example, someone who’s naturally private or often has time alone might find it easier to keep their substance use from becoming obvious.

It’s crucial, however, not to turn this into a game of catching them out. People hide their struggles with addiction for many reasons—fear of judgement, shame, the risk of losing jobs or damaging relationships. Our goal shouldn’t be to catch them in the act but to recognise the signs and be ready to offer support.

Understanding these signs can prompt timely intervention, which is vital. The sooner an addiction is acknowledged and addressed, the better the chances are for recovery and a return to sobriety.

Signs and symptoms of addiction

Addiction doesn’t always reveal itself through stereotypical addiction signs like poor personal hygiene or a dishevelled appearance. Often, these physical signs are a later sign of addiction, whilst, in the early stages, you may find the person showing subtle psychological changes that affect their mood and thoughts. These mental shifts can lead to noticeable behavioural issues or vice versa. Recognising the full range of physical, behavioural and psychological symptoms is key to effectively identifying and addressing addiction.

Physical symptoms

• Changes in appearance: Neglect of personal grooming, unusual smells on breath, body or clothing.
• Altered sleep patterns: Insomnia or oversleeping, unusual energy levels at different times of the day.
• Weight changes: Sudden weight loss or gain without any other apparent reason.
• Eyes: Bloodshot or glazed eyes.
• Physical coordination: Impaired coordination, shaking, tremors or unsteady walk.
• Health issues: Frequent nosebleeds (which can be related to snorted drugs), seizures without a history of epilepsy or more frequent illnesses.

Behavioural symptoms

• Secrecy and solitude: Increased secretive behaviour, frequent disappearances and wanting to be left alone.
• Changes in social circle: New friends, especially those known to use substances and avoidance of old friends.
• Neglecting responsibilities: Neglecting school, work or family responsibilities.
• Risk-taking: Engagement in risky behaviours, such as driving under the influence or stealing.
• Legal issues: Legal problems connected to substance use, like arrests for disorderly conduct.
• Financial problems: Sudden requests for money without a reasonable explanation; borrowing or stealing money.

Psychological symptoms

• Mood swings: Rapid and extreme changes in mood.
• Increased irritability: Unexplained anger or irritation.
• Anxiety and paranoia: Persistent fears and worries about perceived threats.
• Motivational changes: Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed; lack of motivation.
• Depression: Persistent sadness, lethargy and changes in sleep and appetite.
• Psychosis: In some severe cases, experiencing hallucinations or delusions.

The signs of addiction we’ve discussed offer a broad overview, but keep in mind that different substances might trigger different symptoms. Also, some mental health disorders may exhibit similar behavioural and psychological signs to addiction, which can make it tricky to distinguish between the two.

For example, those with undiagnosed Borderline Personality Disorder may exhibit impulsive behaviours and instability in relationships that can resemble the impulsivity and social problems seen in substance addiction. Similarly, some symptoms of depression can include loss of interest in activities, low energy and fatigue, which can all be found in a person struggling with addictions to drugs or alcohol.

It’s important to understand these nuances for proper diagnosis and treatment.

If you notice some of these signs and symptoms, especially if they occur together, it’s crucial to reach out for support and guidance to ensure your loved one gets the help they need to recover fully.

The importance of seeking help for addiction

When it comes to addiction, many people hesitate to seek outside help for various reasons. Some worry about the cost of rehab, thinking it’s beyond their budget, while others might be in a bit of denial, believing they can handle their loved one’s addiction on their own.

However, it’s really important to look beyond these concerns and consider professional care as soon as possible, no matter where your loved one is in their struggle with addiction. Addiction is a complex disease that affects the brain, and professionals have the right tools and expertise to treat it effectively. They offer a structured and supportive environment that’s often crucial for recovery, which is especially true for inpatient addiction recovery rehab programmes.

Getting professional help not only boosts the chances of a successful recovery but also supports the well-being of everyone involved. Prompt action can make a big difference, as early intervention often leads to better recovery outcomes.

How is inpatient rehab structured?

The inpatient rehab process for addiction begins with addiction detox, offering round-the-clock support to manage withdrawal symptoms safely. This critical phase helps your loved ones cope with the physical challenges of detoxing from substances, specifically tackling drug addiction and alcohol addiction.

Once addiction detox is complete, therapy starts, blending traditional methods like Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and group and individual sessions with holistic approaches such as yoga. This mix helps tackle the psychological aspects of addiction, promoting a well-rounded recovery in addiction treatment.

Following the intensive treatment phase in addiction rehab, the focus shifts to aftercare. This stage serves as a crucial safety net, providing ongoing support and therapy to help people smoothly transition back into society. Aftercare is key to maintaining long-term sobriety and effectively managing the journey of recovery from addiction rehab.

What are the next steps?

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, please remember that help is just a phone call away. Reach out to your nearest inpatient rehab centre to speak with compassionate professionals who can guide you through the recovery journey. Don’t wait—take the first step towards a healthier, happier life today. Your courage to seek help can transform your lives and those of the ones you care about.