Addiction
If you’re concerned about a loved ones use of alcohol, drugs or other substances, there is always help available!
Below are the common signs of addiction and what you can do to help in the recovery process.
Understanding Addiction
Addiction refers to a common use of a substance (e.g. alcohol of drugs) or compulsive behaviour (e.g. gambling) and does not discriminate as to who it can affect. Although the term “addiction” is sometimes used vaguely (e.g. I’m addicted to my morning coffee), what makes addiction real is the withdrawal systems an individual experiences once this compulsive behaviour has been stopped.
Addictive behaviours and substances are known to create a physical and psychological “high” that changes the pathways in our brain which involve reward or reinforcement — creating a dopamine effect. This then encourages the same behaviour to continue to achieve that same high again. Referred to as the “silent disease”, it may be months or years before an addiction is recognised, and if left untreated it can severely interfere with everyday life.
Signs of Addiction
Addiction affects the mind, body and spirit and can cause long-term side effects and negative consequences over time. Here are some of the common signs to determine whether you or someone you know may be experiencing addiction. Knowing the signs and symptoms can help you prepare for early intervention and recovery.
- Dependence on the use of a substance to do an activity or a daily task.
- Withdrawal from family and friends.
- Experiencing problems with school, study or work.
- Shoplifting or theft to pay for alcohol, drugs or gambling.
- Frequent mood changes, leading to anger, anxiety or depression.
- Withdrawal from important work, social, or other recreational activities.
- Reliance on an activity or substance to relax.
- Attempting to quit numerous times without success.
- Disruptive sleeping patterns.
- Changes in physical appearance, such as a decline weight or personal hygiene.
- Secrecy by hiding substances or behaviours from family or friends.
How Addiction Affects Families and Loved Ones
Although battling an addiction is seen by many as a personal experience, it can damage and affect an entire family system. Spouses, children and parents who witness their loved one struggling with an addiction can often experience emotional, mental and financial affects. As drug and alcohol abuse cause negative side effects after a long period of time, family members may witness rages when under the influence, weight loss and changes in moods and personality. As the addiction worsens, this can cause a lot of pain and confusion — especially if the individual has started to withdraw from the family.
How You Can Help?
Addiction can't be beaten alone. To continue our life-transforming work and mission, Together We Can relies on the generosity of our community. Your donation is an investment which will help those battling addiction heal and regain their lives, create further awareness on addiction within our community, and offer hope for families.
Together, we can beat addiction. DONATE TODAY!