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Signs of Addiction

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How to Identify When a Behaviour is Becoming Problematic: Signs of Addiction

When we speak about addiction, we tend to think of drugs and alcohol. However, many seemingly benign activities can become an addiction for some people.

For some, watching porn is an activity done once in a while for fun, while others watch for hours every day alone. Some people shop only when they need something; others spend more than they can afford to chase a certain feeling that shopping gives them.

Whether it’s chemical substances, social media, sex, video games, food, or anything that forms dependence, all can become a negative influence in our lives if a line is crossed. If you are concerned you or a loved one may have developed an addiction, here are five signs to look out for.

The Activity Has Become a Priority

Family, work, and social activities with friends are the things we give priority to in our lives. However, certain activities become a priority that we push aside our time at work or with family and friends; it’s a sign there could be a problem. A dangerous focus can be recognised not only by how much you’re doing something but also by how much you are not doing other things.

Reward Response

We all take pleasure in doing certain activities. Gardening, dancing, or watching our favourite movie can make us happy, and that’s natural. There is a problem when you start to feel good or happy only when involved in your addiction. You may even begin to notice you feel particularly bad when not doing the activity.

Compulsion

Do you start out thinking, I’ll eat a little, or smoke a little, or do whatever for just a little bit, but then find yourself doing the activity for more extended periods than you planned? Do you become angry when something or someone tears you away from the activity? Do you feel you have to hide the amount of time or money you spend on this activity? If so, this is a sign you may have a problem.

Anxiety

One of the most evident indicators of an addiction is the anxiety felt when not doing the activity or even thinking about giving up the activity. The higher the level of panic you feel about giving up this activity, even for just one day, the stronger the addiction is.

Isolation

Isolation is perhaps the most significant behavioural change associated with addiction. To an addict, it becomes necessary to withdraw and hide their behaviour from loved ones. Akin to isolation is a loss of interest in healthy hobbies or activities you once enjoyed. If you used to enjoy hiking with friends on the weekend, but now all you do is sit around the house getting into bidding wars online, it’s time you speak to somebody.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction and would like to explore treatment options, please get in touch. I’d be more than happy to discuss how I may be able to help.

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