Sometimes it’s hard to know where to draw the line between substance use and substance abuse. If you find that your drug use has increased lately, you might start questioning yourself. Read on to learn if you have any of the common signs of addiction.
All Your Friends Use
If going out with friends has become synonymous with using, this may be a sign that drugs have taken over your life. When the number one reason you spend time with one another is to get high, it’s likely that there’s a serious drug problem at the center of the relationship.
Your Family Is Worried
It’s normal for family to be overprotective, but if you frequently find yourself avoiding your family, this is a warning sign. You may find yourself making lots of excuses or going to great lengths to hide your drug use. You may even lie or say things you regret. If so, this is a big red flag.
You Use To Deal With Emotions
We all seek comfort when we’re upset. However, eating a pint of ice cream while binge-watching your favorite TV show is normal, whereas getting high to avoid your feelings or your problems is not. What begins as a quick fix when you’re down in the dumps can turn quickly into a dangerous addiction.
You Need More And More To Get The Same Effect
Needing to take more and more of your drug of choice to reach the same high means that your body has developed a tolerance to the drug. While tolerance is not the same as addiction, it can be a warning sign.
You Feel Sick If You Don’t Get Your Fix
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms, whether physical or psychological, is called drug dependence. Like tolerance, dependence differs from addiction, but it is still yet another warning sign for which you should be on the lookout.
You’ve Tried To Cut Back, But You Couldn’t
Trying and failing to quit using or to cut back on the amount you use means you are no longer in control. If your drug of choice has taken over your body, your mind, and your entire life, you can consider it a cause for concern.
You’re Reading This Article
Sometimes, people with a substance abuse problem know the truth deep down and are just afraid to admit it to themselves. Some deny their problem, and others come up with excuses. However, if you’ve opened this article, it might be your subconscious mind’s way of telling you it’s time to get help. Listen to it!
If you or someone you know shows signs of struggling with drugs or alcohol, know what resources are available. Call us today to speak freely and confidentially with someone who is trained to help. Recovery is possible and worth the effort.
