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Identifying and Helping a Loved One's Addiction |
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Addiction is
characterized as a dependence on a particular
substance, object, or activity. The impact addiction
has on an addict is based on substance of choice,
frequency and duration of use. Addicts will spend an
excessive amount of time, money, and resources on
obtaining drugs or alcohol to avoid dealing with
past and present issues. Addiction causes family
problems and if left untreated may also lead to
legal problems. Those afflicted with an addiction
may lose their grasp on reality, oftentimes
neglecting their self-image, children, financial
obligations, and potentially their lives. It is
important for the addict to receive professional
help to overcome the addictions that are preventing
his / her ability for success, happiness, and good
health.
Addiction uses both physical and psychological
processes to keep the addict dependent. Each
individual may display different symptoms of
addiction. However, there are some key factors to
determine if the individual requires an
intervention. Some of the common symptoms of
addiction include: social and physical withdrawal,
tolerance, difficulty moderating intake levels,
revolving one's social, occupational, and
recreational activities around the addictive
activity, and becoming preoccupied with satisfying
the fixation.
Loved ones can take the time to observe certain
signs and behaviors exhibited by the addict. For
instance, addicts may display certain behavioral
patterns, such as pathological lying, mood swings,
lethargy, oversleeping, overeating, stealing, lack
of personal hygiene, lack of fulfilling financial
obligations, and stealing in order to get enough
money to support their habit. Not all of these
behavioral patterns hint towards an addiction.
However, if these signs appear over a prolonged
period of time, then they should be considered as
indicators of a serious problem that must be
promptly addressed. Additionally, some of the most
problematic addictions stem from seemingly harmless
activities, such as drinking wine with dinner,
viewing pornography, gambling, and going to work.
Excessive participation in activities that neglect
time or attention with loved ones, or for you, is
never healthy.
Family and friends can intervene if they sense an
addiction worsening over a period of time. Loved
ones may suggest that the addict join a support
group, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, in order to
overcome his / her addiction and take back control
of his / her life. If left untreated, some addicts
may find themselves in disarray, destitute, and
disconnected from the real world. In fact, some drug
addicts resort to a life of crime in effort to
supply money to continue their habit. This may lead
to rehabilitation, prison, or even death. It's
essential to communicate to the addict that he / she
must seek addiction treatment to learn how to manage
life without being dependent on external sources.
Treatment for addiction begins when the addict
acknowledges that he or she has a problem. Through
education the addict will learn how to make more
rational decisions, use alternative coping skills,
identify potential danger zones, become accountable
for future actions, and reward themselves for good
behavior. These basic guidelines will help the
addict recognize when old self-defeating behaviors
are present decreasing risk of relapse.
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