How To Spot Addiction Early
Addiction affects millions of Americans every year. Many patients look back and wonder, “why didn’t I realize what was happening?” Awareness of the early warning signs of addiction can help stop things before damage becomes too great. Dependence on any substance or alcohol causes numerous physical, mental, and emotional changes to the body. By knowing what to look for, we can proactively seek care for ourselves or our loved ones. Here are 5 early warning signs of addiction:
- Physical changes
- Mental impairment
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Loss of control or overuse
- Changes in lifestyle
Physical Changes
The first of the 5 early warning signs of addiction to note are physical changes to the brain. Normally, the brain provides chemical “rewards” for healthy behavior, such as adequate sleep or exercise. Compounds such as dopamine and serotonin can make someone feel happy or in a good mood. Addiction rewires the brain to provide these chemicals as a reward for relying on substance or alcohol use. At the same time, the brain will send out stress signals when it doesn’t detect the substance. This is why many patients feel anxious or depressed if they have gone too long without use. If you begin to notice feelings of anxiety after a period of abstinence, take note. Likewise, pay attention to external or internal stressors that drive the desire to use. Do you find yourself using to “take the edge off?” This is a definite sign that recreational use is turning into active addiction. Also be aware of sudden changes in weight, appetite, or sleep patterns. If you begin to feel the need to use it in order to feel “normal,” it’s time to talk to someone about it. If you notice even one of the 5 warning signs of addiction in yourself or someone else, it should be cause for concern.
Mental Impairment
Addiction wreaks havoc on the brain. The risk/reward functions get thrown off balance and the prefrontal cortex is also affected. This is the decision-making part of the brain. Under normal circumstances, we all make thousands of decisions a day that keep us alive and functioning. The prefrontal cortex controls everything from taking a shower to solving problems at work. As SUD/AUD run their course, the patient’s ability to make good decisions will suffer. If you begin to notice yourself making mistakes that seem out of character, take note. Everyone has an off