Addiction is a lot more common than you would think. It is surprising and rather alarming that people who you would know and interact with on a daily basis could actually be battling addiction and sometimes, the signs and symptoms of this go unrecognized until it is too late. Knowing what to look out for, either within yourself or in somebody that is close to you, and realizing what the right course of action is is what you can do to make sure that you stay aware and alert always.
Causes And Risk Factors For Addictions
The majority of mental health and addiction specialists believe that instead of there being just a single cause, the abuse of drugs can result from a combination of factors like genetics, environmental factors, and psychological reasons that all come together. There are many theories that have been formed around these points and no matter which one it is, they all warrant treatment from a drug rehab if the person is to recover completely. When it comes to genetics years of research and careful studies have indicated that once a person starts to use something that is harmful, the general development of this use into addiction can actually be partially blamed on their genetics. For example, a person who has had a family history with members being prone to addiction is actually facing a risk factor of being addicted themselves. Environmental issues can also play a role such as constantly living in a high-stress setting, working too much, family attitudes and beliefs in using, and having friends who are addicted themselves. Strangely being a male has also been studied to be a risk factor along with having an underlying mental health issue, the apathy of family towards them, being lonely, and peer pressure.
Behavioral Symptoms Of Addiction
There are many behavioral signs and symptoms that can indicate addiction. Some of these include increased levels of energy, behaving erratically, becoming violent and aggressive suddenly or under pressure, abandoning any or all interest in family or hobbies or any other activities that may have followed before addiction, hyperactivity, manic behavior, being restless, stealing and borrowing money for their addiction.
Physical Symptoms Of Addiction
There are also many physical symptoms that you need to keep an eye out for such as losing one’s appetite, having dilated pupils a lot of the time, elevated levels of blood pressure, lack of coordination (in some cases they can lose coordination completely), frequent headaches, frequent dizzy spells, chest pains and palpitations, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramping, sweating excessively and collapsing without a warning.
Cognitive Symptoms Of Addiction
Cognitive symptoms of addiction can be a little hard to see unless you pay attention to the person carefully. A person may not know that they are going through this by themselves either. Some of these symptoms are hallucinations, inability to concentrate, lack of correct judgment, paranoia, psychosis, and the inability to say what is real and what is imagined.
Psychological Symptoms Of Addiction
Psychological symptoms include anxiety, restlessness, feeling hostile and angry, delusions, panic attacks, and even suicidal or in worse case scenarios homicidal tendencies.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, addiction is a complex condition that can have significant impacts on a person’s life. It is important to be able to identify the signs of addiction in order to seek help and support. If you or someone you know may be struggling with addiction, it is recommended to speak with a healthcare professional, who can help determine the best course of treatment. With the right help and support, it is possible to overcome addiction and lead a fulfilling life.
