Addiction is a complex medical condition in which a person continues to use drugs or alcohol despite negative consequences. A person who has been struggling with a diagnosable substance use disorder loses control over their intake; they become preoccupied with their substance of choice and have an extremely difficult time quitting or cutting back on their own. The quality of day-to-day life is harshly compromised, but the addicted individual continues to use their substance of choice regardless. If addiction is left untreated the associated symptoms continue to worsen in severity. Many people who struggle with untreated addictive disorders end up losing everything at the hands of drugs or alcohol. According to the American Psychiatric Association, “Changes in the brain’s structure and function are what cause people to have intense cravings, changes in personality, abnormal movements and other behaviors. Brain imaging studies show changes in the areas of the brain that relate to judgment, decision making, learning, memory, and behavioral control.” Because addiction is a medical condition, it requires some degree of medical treatment. The good news is, addiction can always be treated no matter how severe it has become.
If you have been struggling with addiction, you are not alone. There are millions of people across the country who struggle with substance misuse and dependence — the majority of whom never seek professional help. At Guardian Recovery we provide a comprehensive and highly individualized addiction treatment program designed to help those who have been struggling with substance dependence reclaim their lives and heal on a physical, mental and emotional basis. Contact us today to learn more.
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How Can You Tell If You Are Experiencing Drug & Alcohol Addiction?
How can you tell if you have been struggling with a diagnosable addictive disorder? There are several ways to tell if your substance use has gotten out of hand. However, it is important to consider the role denial and self-deception play in the development of addiction.
It can be extremely difficult for a person to admit — to themselves and to others — that substance use has become a problem and help has become necessary. When a person develops a substance use disorder their ability to make rational and self-serving decisions all but flies out the window entirely. Despite the accumulation of negative personal consequences, they have an extremely difficult time looking at their current circumstances objectively.
Say you have recently lost your job and your finances are less than favorable. Your spouse has threatened to leave multiple times and your substance use is now compromising your physical and mental health. Despite the clear connection between addiction and the current state of your life, you convince yourself, “Alcohol isn’t the problem, I just need to go to therapy and work through some things.” Or, “Maybe I’ve been drinking a little more than normal, but if I wanted to stop I could.” Because people with addictive disorders so often grapple with denial and self-deception, seeking a professional opinion is always a good idea. If the physical, emotional and behavioral signs of addiction resonate with you, we encourage you to reach out to us today for a professional opinion on which steps to take next.
Physical Signs of Addiction
Depending on what type of substance you have been using, you will likely exhibit a set of telltale physical symptoms. One of the most common physical signs of addiction is the development of a tolerance. This means more of the substance is required in order for the desired effects to be produced. You may have also started to experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop using your substance of choice abruptly. Additional physical signs of addiction vary depending on which chemical substance you are using.
Physical Signs of Alcohol Use Disorder
Because drinking is such a socially acceptable pastime, it can be difficult to tell whether or not you are suffering from alcoholism or simply imbibing too much. If you have been struggling with an alcohol use disorder, you might exhibit the following physical symptoms:
- Uncontrollable shaking or trembling/shaky hands.
- Flushing of the face/redness in the cheeks and nose.
- Regularly smelling like alcohol/smelling alcohol on the breath.
- Confusion and disorientation.
- A lack of coordination.
- Gastrointestinal issues like nausea and vomiting.
- Cold and clammy skin/low body temperature.
- Noticeable weight loss or weight gain.
- Red, bloodshot or watery eyes.
Physical Signs of Opioid Use Disorder
Opioid use disorders can involve prescription painkillers like oxycodone, hydrocodone or codeine, or illegal opioids like heroin. Rates of fentanyl abuse have also been on the rise (fentanyl is a synthetic opioid known for being between 80 and 100 times more potent than morphine, and has been responsible for an increasing amount of heroin-related overdose deaths). If you have been struggling with an opioid use disorder, you might exhibit the following physical symptoms:
- Appearing tired and drowsy throughout the day.
- Sleeping strange hours.
- Reduced appetite which can lead to noticeable weight loss.
- A lack of attention paid to personal appearance/personal hygiene.
- The presence of flu-like symptoms (runny nose, watery eyes, upset stomach, profuse sweating and body aches).
- Nausea, vomiting and constipation.
- Small pupils.
- Slurred speech/compromise cognitive functioning.
Physical Signs of Benzodiazepine Use Disorder
Benzodiazepines include medications like Xanax, Klonopin and Valium, which are commonly prescribed for the treatment of moderate or severe anxiety or sleep disorders. If you have been struggling with a benzodiazepine use disorder, you might exhibit the following physical symptoms:
- Excessive drowsiness/changes to sleeping patterns.
- Unsteadiness/inability to stand up straight.
- Persistent headaches.
- Dizziness and light-headedness which can lead to fainting.
- Muscle weakness.
Physical Signs of Stimulant Use Disorder
Stimulant drugs include prescription stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin and illegal stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine. If you have been struggling with a stimulant use disorder, you might exhibit the following physical symptoms:
- Increased physical activity.
- Restless/an inability to sit still.
- Trouble falling asleep at night and other changes to sleeping patterns.
- Loss of appetite which can lead to significant weight loss.
- Appearing nervous or jittery.
- Elevated heart rate and increased blood pressure.
Emotional & Behavioral Signs of Addiction
You will also experience a range of emotional and behavioral symptoms. People who struggle with addiction eventually start prioritizing their substance of choice, and everything they once held in high esteem falls by the wayside. The emotional and behavioral signs vary on a person-to-person basis, and depend heavily on what type of substance is being used. These signs and symptoms commonly include:
- Obvious changes to mood and demeanor.
- A loss of interest in activities which were previously enjoyed.
- Isolation from friends and family/more time spent alone.
- Defensiveness when substance use is brought up in conversation.
- Preoccupation with your substance of choice.
- Increased or newly developing symptoms of anxiety and/or depression.
- Changes to sleeping and eating patterns.
- Experiencing problems at work or at school.
- Missing out on personal obligations or important engagements.
- Experiencing issues in interpersonal relationships.
- Decreased motivation to take care of personal responsibilities.
- Legal and financial problems directly related to substance use.
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Addiction Quiz
How can you tell whether or not professional help has become a necessity? At Guardian Recovery we have developed a quick and simple Addiction Quiz to help you determine how severe your substance use issues have become. If you have any additional questions about addiction or the recovery process, you are welcome to reach out to us directly at any point in time.
Question #1: Do you often use drugs or alcohol in larger amounts or over a longer period than you intended?
People who struggle with addictive disorders have an extremely difficult time controlling their intake. Maybe you repeatedly tell yourself, “I’m only going to have a couple of drinks tonight,” only to wake up at noon the next day with a pounding headache and no idea how things got so out of hand.
Question #2: Have you wanted to cut back on drugs or alcohol or made unsuccessful attempts to do so?
Maybe you recognize your drinking or drug use has become a problem. You swear off of your substance of choice entirely. You might even manage to stay completely sober for several days. Eventually, however, the cravings become too strong and the urge to drink or use overpowers whatever resolve you still have.
Question #3: Do you spend a great deal of time finding, using, or recovering from using?
People who struggle with addiction become preoccupied with their substance of choice. Much of their day revolves around obtaining the substance and using the substance once they get it. They have a difficult time taking care of day-to-day responsibilities because so much of their time is consumed by substance use. If this sounds familiar, you might be struggling with a substance use disorder.
Question #4: Do you have strong urges or powerful cravings to use drugs or alcohol?
If you have attempted to quit on your own and cravings have led you back to using, you might need professional help in order to stop using or drinking for good. Over time the physical chemistry of the brain changes, and substance use becomes compulsive — it is no longer a matter of choice.
Question #5: Has your use of drugs or alcohol resulted in your inability to meet your obligations at work, home, or school?
Many people who struggle with addiction experience decreased performance at work or at school. Maybe you regularly show up to work late, or your grades have started to drop dramatically. You might still be functioning; keeping up with your personal responsibilities. However, because addiction is a chronic condition, it is only possible to keep up with daily life for so long.
Question #6: Have you had to cut back on or abandon social, professional, or recreational activities due to your use of drugs or alcohol?
If you have been struggling with addiction there is a good chance everything else has taken the backseat. You might unwittingly clear your schedule so you have more time to use your substance of choice (and recover from its effects).
Question #7: Have you repeatedly used drugs or alcohol when it was hazardous to do so, such as while driving a car?
People who struggle with addiction often experience an increase in risk-taking activities. Maybe you have started driving back to the liquor store after you’ve already had several drinks. Maybe you are combining chemical substances in order to increase their effects, or spending time with people you don’t know very well. Take an honest look at your behavioral patterns.
Question #8: Have you experienced social or relationship problems due to your substance use and kept using anyway?
You might be spending more time alone than you normally do, simply because you prefer to drink or use your drug of choice in peace. Maybe you have been fighting with your loved ones more than normal or butting heads with your coworkers. Interpersonal problems are a sign of addiction.
Question #9: Have you kept using drugs or alcohol knowing that it has caused or worsened physical or mental health issues?
Maybe your primary care physician has recommended you cut back on your alcohol intake, or your psychiatrist has noted your anxiety might improve should you stay sober. If you continue to use and drink despite medical advice to do the contrary, you might be afflicted with a diagnosable substance use disorder.
Question #10: When you attempt to cut back on or stop your use of drugs or alcohol, have you experienced uncomfortable physical or mental health symptoms (withdrawal)?
Once your body becomes accustomed to the presence of a chemical substance it will go into shock once the substance is removed. If you stop using or drinking abruptly, you might experience a range of unpleasant physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms.
Question #11: Have you needed more drugs or alcohol to feel the effects you’re seeking (tolerance)?
As your body becomes accustomed to the presence of the chemical substance a physical tolerance develops. This means more of the substance is required in order for the desired effects to be produced. Maybe you started with two beers after work, and now you need to drink an entire 12-pack just to feel a buzz. This is an example of tolerance — and a good indication that treatment has become necessary.
Results of the Addiction Quiz
Generally speaking, professionals look for the presence of two or more of these criteria in a 12-month period when evaluating for a substance use disorder. Answering “yes” to two or more of these questions may indicate the potential presence of a substance use disorder, though only a medical doctor or an addiction treatment professional may provide an official diagnosis. These criteria are observed by the American Psychiatric Association, and outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (or the DSM-V). If you answered yes to two or more of the above-listed questions, we recommend reaching out to us directly. Once you do, you will be put in touch with one of our experienced Treatment Advisors, who will help you determine which level of clinical care is the best option for your unique case.
How to Get Help Treating Your Addiction
The good news is, recovery is always possible. Even if you feel utterly helpless, hopeless and alone, you have the ability to successfully overcome addiction and go on to lead a happy, healthy and productive life. However, you cannot overcome an addictive disorder without some degree of professional help. At Guardian Recovery we provide our clients with a multi-staged continuum of effective addiction treatment. In the majority of cases, we recommend our clients take the following steps:
- Medically Monitored Detox
- Residential Inpatient Treatment
- Partial Hospitalization (PHP)
- Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP)
- Sober Living and Aftercare
Because addiction is a very personal condition, recovery programs should never provide a one-size-fits-all treatment option. In order for addiction treatment to be successful it must be individualized. At Guardian Recovery we custom-tailor every personalized treatment plan to meet the unique needs of each individual client. If you are ready to overcome addiction and reclaim your life, contact us today.
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Begin Your Personal Journey of Recovery
The first step towards recovery is reaching out for help. As soon as you contact Guardian Recovery, either over the phone or directly through our website, one of our Treatment Advisors will walk you through our admissions process. We have developed an admissions process which is simple, straightforward and can be completed in roughly 15 minutes. We begin by conducting a brief pre-assessment, which helps us determine which level of care is the most appropriate. If we believe you would benefit more from a treatment program outside of our network we are happy to point you in the right direction. Once the most beneficial treatment option is identified we provide a free, no obligation insurance benefit check. If you are currently uninsured we offer additional coverage options, including self-pay and private pay. Once coverage is determined we arrange local transportation to one of our treatment facilities. All you have to do is reach out for help, and we will take care of the rest.
SELF-ASSESSMENT:
Do I have an Addiction issue?
Disclaimer: Does not guarantee specific treatment outcomes, as individual results may vary. Our services are not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis; please consult a qualified healthcare provider for such matters.
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