Substance abuse is one of the leading health issues in the US. Data from the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics indicate that an estimated 100,306 died from a drug overdose in 2021. Almost half of the population have reported using illicit drugs at some point, while about 15 million adults have dealt with alcohol use disorder. Breaking free from addiction isn’t the easiest thing to do – to put it mildly. Thankfully, with counseling and addiction treatment options improving over time. So, if any of the following telltale signs apply to you, you should seek addiction counseling and treatment.
So what exactly is addiction and how can we define it? Addiction is best described as a condition in which a person cannot easily stop using a specific substance or engaging in a particular habit, which subsequently begins to negatively impact their daily wellbeing. This dependence becomes chronic, and despite the harmful effects on the body, emotions, or personality, the person finds it extremely difficult to quit. A person can become addicted to many things, including sex, drugs, alcohol, pornography, etc. Here are some telltale signs that you may need some help.
Your addiction becomes your main priority
Addiction controls the brain. And if you find yourself thinking about nothing besides how to get your next dose of drugs to feed your addiction, then you seek counseling as soon as possible. Addiction does not happen overnight. It progresses slowly, and most of them, you’ll probably feel in control of the situation as you try to go through your daily business.
But when it gets to a point where your main focus every day is to get the drugs you need, then you’re losing control and need assistance.
You start feeling abnormal
Beyond the constant desire to feed your addiction, when you start feeling abnormal without getting access to what you’re addicted to, then you should seek professional assistance. For instance, if your addiction is of a sexual nature, and you struggle to think or behave appropriately, you could benefit from using addiction counseling services. This type of counseling helps you identify the root of your addiction and prevents it from disrupting your life.
Finances are affected
Addiction, no matter what it is, can take such a hold on a person’s thought process that they are usually ready to sacrifice their finances to feed that addiction. That said, if you find yourself spending almost every money or financial resource you have, or you notice your money going down the drain on your addiction-related purchases, you should seek help as soon as you can.
Relationships and social life become impacted
When you start neglecting your relationships for the sake of your addiction, notice your loved ones pulling away from you, or you start becoming isolated because of your addiction, you should seek help.
Performance and concentration starts wavering
If you notice your performance decline at work, in school, with sports, or in any other aspect of your life, then your addiction is beginning to lead you to the brink. In most cases, your performance will drop because your attention goes more to the source of your addiction.