The first and foremost of Addiction Warning Signs is taking risks. Addicts might steal from their family and friends to pay for drugs. They might even trade sex for drugs, both heterosexual and homosexual. Under the influence of drugs, the addict will take risks and put himself in dangerous situations. This is a clear indicator that he is suffering from a drug addiction. Addicts also take risks with other people’s lives, often placing themselves in risky situations.
Mood swings
Mood swings are sudden, dramatic changes in your mood. In contrast, normal changes in mood occur gradually. When you feel sad, for example, something positive happens in your life, such as a lottery win. On the other hand, if you are feeling happy, you may have just been drinking heavily or consuming drugs. Whether these mood changes are common or not, identifying them as signs of addiction can help you stop abusing alcohol and drugs.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a symptom of an addiction and is often associated with mood disorders. It may also be triggered by a traumatic event. Substance abuse and anxiety go hand in hand and can even motivate addictions. However, it is important to note that anxiety disorders are treatable, and treatment is more effective when onset is early. Listed below are some tips to help you manage anxiety.
Memory loss
One of the main symptoms of addiction is the loss of memory. Drug users have alterations in the brain regions striatum, prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus. These regions underlie declarative memory, or what defines the individual. Addiction drugs may act on these substrates, causing wide-ranging changes in cognition. If you notice memory loss in an addicted person, it is time to seek medical help.
Anger
Anger as a warning sign of addiction can be dangerous, as it can lead to a vicious cycle of bad behavior. If you feel anger is a sign of addiction, you may try to avoid the triggers or act differently in order to control it. The problem may persist despite your best efforts. Anger is not the same for all people. This article will highlight some symptoms of anger as a warning sign of addiction.
Depression
Aside from these signs, there are also certain behaviors that may signal depression and addiction. Teens who experience sadness, irritability, anger, or poor performance in school may be displaying signs of depression. Some teens may even self-harm or eat too much. If your teen exhibits any of these behaviors, it is time to seek professional help. If you suspect your child is suffering from depression, call 911 or visit a mental health professional.
Isolation from family and friends
Isolation from family and friends is one of the most common signs of substance abuse. Although addiction often begins with social isolation, it can also be the result of psychological or physical illness. Whether you are socially awkward, depressed, or anxious, you should be aware of your symptoms and seek help if you feel they are out of control. Therapy is an essential part of the recovery process and can help you address any underlying issues.
Changes in personality
Addicts with addictive personalities are likely to experience changes in their personality as the damage to the brain progresses. Those around the addict may not recognize these changes as signs of addiction and chalk them up to puberty or a “tough patch” in the addict’s life. Yet, being aware of these psychological changes is essential for recovery. Listed below are some of the common signs of addiction and ways to identify them.