6 Signs Your Bad Habit Has Become an Addiction

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The thin line between habit and addiction is often very hard to determine – especially for those with the issue. Though addictions manifest in various ways, they essentially share a lot of the same symptoms and signs. The bad part is that in most cases, the user is the last to know of his/her problem. Since they cannot see the outwardly signs, they often believe that they are keeping their “bad habit” and issue from those closest to them. It is not until they fully understand their addictions and the potential risks that they begin to seek the help of others.

Below are a few of the most common physical and behavioral symptoms of addiction. If any of these are currently happening in your life or the life of someone you care about, it may be time to seek help.

Common Signs of Addiction

As stated before it can be pretty hard to determine when your bad habit has crossed over into an addiction. While signs can vary depending upon the person and the type of addiction itself, the below symptoms can give you a good idea on where you (or your loved one) fall:

1. Inability to Stop Taking Substances of Performing the action – Whether the addition is to porn or some form of substance, a person who is addicted is unable to stop. Even if the attempt is made to give it up (without professional assistance), it generally only lasts a short amount of time before they relapse.
2. Withdrawal Symptoms – For substance abusers that try to quit or go for long periods without using, there is a risk of withdrawal systems. Withdrawal symptoms can vary by person and may include: cravings, moodiness, the inability to focus, feelings of depression, bitterness, and anger. There is also a chance for increased appetite, violence, seizures, hallucinations, sweats, and insomnia (the inability to sleep).
3. Isolation – It is very common for people to completely isolate themselves from social events or recreational activities. This is often an attempt to keep friends and family members from learning of their secret.
4. Increased Financial Difficulties – Most addictions have a cost, and as a person’s need for their addiction heightens, they begin to take money from other household needs to compensate the cost of their addiction. As such, they will begin to run out of income to take care of important things like eating and paying for utilities. Over time, it can result in serious financial strain requiring them to ask friends and family members for financial assistance.
5. Risky Behaviors – In some instances, addiction can cause you to act recklessly. This might be something like driving while under the influence, engaging in risky sexual behaviors, or even getting in trouble with the law. This of course could lead to fines and/or repeated arrests.
6. Relationship Issues – most addictions will cause a strain in a person’s relationships (both personal and professional). This could be anything from broken relationships within their family, to being fired from their jobs.

Again, these are not all the signs of addiction, and each person’s circumstances will vary. However, if you’ve noticed any of these signs in yourself or someone you care for, you should most certainly reach out to a professional for help.

Getting Help

Realizing that you have a problem is the first and most important step to recovering. Your recovery success is greatly improved by one’s ability to face the addiction without minimizing or making excuses. Once you’re ready to take that step, it will be necessary for you to find professional assistance to kick the addiction for good. As addiction in and of itself is complex, there will be various layers to your recovery process that should also be taken into consideration. Recovery is much better when you have the support of others on your side. There are several ways you can begin your road to recovery including:

• Going to a drug rehab facility or young adult recovery program
• Seeking outpatient assistance with a therapist or counselor specializing in addiction
• Attend group meetings to receive support from other recovering addicts.

Whichever route you decided to take, getting help is the most important thing. Review the pros and cons of each source of help and make a decision that will work best for your lifestyle and immediate needs. As you begin your quest for sober living, remember that there is no instant cure. Recovering will take time, determination, and the support of others. However, for those who really want to make a change for the better, recognizing the signs and getting help is ultimately your ticket back to sober living.