Many people in the world utilize substances throughout their daily routines. This can include nicotine products, stimulants (crack/cocaine), hallucinogens (ecstasy), Narcotics (heroin), inhalants (gasoline), depressants (alcohol), and cannabis to name a few. In conjunction with this, there is addiction, which isn’t limited to utilizing substances but behaviors that can become obstacles in our daily lives (such as excessive shopping and viewing too much pornography). In this article, we will be discussing the signs and factors that perhaps you or a loved one may be suffering from the effects of substance usage and addiction.
A. “Well, what’s the harm in doing it a little?”
If you’re quantifying yourself, then it’s important to consider the questions of how and when.
How much time is being spent? In the example of using alcohol, a little could be seen as someone drinking casually once a week without the intention of becoming sick versus someone who defines a little as a bottle a day, but when compared to their family’s consumption, it isn’t as high despite the individual developing liver issues because of it.
When on the other hand is the time of the day and situations in which these behaviors occur; do you wake up first thing the morning feeling the urge to take a drink before you even brush your teeth, or do you have specific times throughout the month in which you allow yourself to enjoy a drink?
B. Cost
Please take a moment to recall if you ever felt like you were losing time or money on something but couldn’t stop. Did this impact your finances? Did these habits affect your health or ability to work or concrete? Did a friend or family member get annoyed at you because of this? Do you feel like you have control of your life and what you do? If the answer to any of these is yes, how long has this happened? A month, five months, a year? Are your habits placing you in dangerous situations or environments so that you can be satisfied?
C. Compensation
Compensation can be seen to “make up for something happening”. A healthy example could be you’re growing concerned about how much sugar you’re consuming daily and try to develop healthier dietary habits while incorporating exercise.
When it comes to understanding substance use disorders and addictive behaviors, the common approach is to quit “cold turkey’ which basically means you try to stop all together or utilizing rationalization “Okay so this was pretty bad but starting from tomorrow I’ll do better” or “I’ve been having a bad week so it’s going to be okay for me to relax a little, and I’ll do better again next Monday. Does it feel like you’re caught in an endless loop and just wish to get out?
D. Withdrawal
Have you ever tried to restrict yourself from something? For example, you could avoid overeating dessert, be more careful of your spending habits, or even lower your screen time. Did you feel any changes in your body as you restricted yourself? Did you sometimes feel extra tired or like something was missing because you were restricting yourself? This feeling is often seen as withdrawal. Withdrawals impact us on a psychological and mental level. Think of it as muscle memory: You do something for a long time, and it becomes clockwork. However, the moment you stop, it’s as if there is a missing gear or piece, and your body is reacting towards being able to move past this missing piece. However, when it comes to Addiction or Substance Usage, the after effects can be severe. Substance Usage Withdrawal can be potentially fatal as depending on the amount of time and consumption; it can chemically alter your body and impact significant organs such as your lungs or liver. Withdrawal from Addictive Behaviors likewise can cause significant impairment such as feelings of anxiety, depression, fear, hopelessness and irritability.
E. Finding support
The questions we’ve discussed so far are key signs and symptoms that a person may be suffering from an addiction or substance use disorder. Suppose someone personally feels like they may be struggling or would like to receive support or help. In that case, the first suggestion is not to be overly critical of yourself. We are all human beings, and life can impact us and our choices, but the first step is taking the courage to acknowledge the extra support you may need. Speaking with a professional with empathy and insight to support you through this process can be beneficial.
At ANB, we offer a free consultation to support those struggling and wishing to work with someone who sees you as a human and a person.
Fore more information please check out our website and feel free to schedule an appointment with any of our therapists today!
https://anbtherapy.com/our-therapists
