Knowing When It’s Time to Seek Help
Addiction can be defined as a chronic disorder where an individual feels a strong desire to consume a particular substance or engage in specific activities, even though it has adverse effects on their health and wellbeing. It is a complicated and challenging disorder that can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender.
Knowing how to recognize addiction means knowing how to spot common signs, which can manifest in physical, behavioral, and/or psychological ways. You may notice changes in appetite and sleep habits, a lack of hygiene or grooming, become increasingly isolated or secretive, or exhibiting mood swings or erratic behavior.
There are many underlying factors to addiction, including genetic factors, environmental or social pressures, or the presence of co-occurring mental health disorders (known as dual diagnosis). Seeking professional help from a healthcare provider, therapist, and/or support group can provide effective solutions for overcoming addiction. If you believe you or a loved one may be showing common signs of addiction, Mount Sinai Wellness Center is here to help.
Give us a call at (800) 353-4673 to schedule a consultation.
Symptoms of Addiction
Signs and symptoms of addiction vary from person to person and largely depend on the type of addiction. However, there are some common behaviors and signs of addiction, such as:
- Lack of control over substance use or engagement in activities
- Spending a lot of time consumed by thoughts of substance use or activity engagement
- Interference with work, school, or other responsibilities
- Tolerance increases, making more of the substance or activity necessary to feel the same level of pleasure or satisfaction
- Engaging in risky behavior or activities that may typically seem out of character
- Withdrawal symptoms (such as sweating, shaking, or irritability) after stopping
- Mood swings, such as experiencing extreme highs and lows, or becoming irritable when away from substance or activity
- Increased feelings of depression or anxiety
- Denial of addiction, or minimizing the severity of behaviors/their impacts
It is essential to understand that addiction is a treatable condition. There are various treatment options available for addiction that can help individuals overcome their addiction and maintain long-term recovery.
One of the most effective treatments is counseling, which provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals to address their addiction and learn coping skills. There are also medications available that can help reduce cravings and prevent relapse. By seeking help, anyone struggling with addiction can live a happier and healthier life.
Seek Help Today
Educating yourself and your loved ones about addiction can help identify problematic behaviors early on. If you or a loved one is exhibiting common signs of addiction and you’re looking for help, don’t hesitate to contact our team today at (800) 353-4673. Mount Sinai Wellness Center is here to help you through the recovery process.
