Both the individual exhibiting addictive behaviors and their loved ones suffer from denial when dealing with substance use disorder (SUD). In many cases, loved ones either refuse to or are unable to identify the behavioral signs of addiction in someone they care about. Call Taylor Recovery Center’s team to learn more about recognizing addictive behaviors and our addiction treatment programs in Houston if you are concerned that a loved one may be hiding an addiction from you.
Addiction and Addictive Behavior
Addiction is based on psychological science. Individuals struggling with addiction were seen as morally deficient and emotionally fragile. Negative attitudes to drug usage reflect society’s judgments of its people. Addiction, contrary to popular belief, is a psychological condition. Addiction was written off as a character’s fault; people with addiction were written off as unmotivated and lazy. But now, with scientific and medical discoveries, the responses and views to addiction have changed.
Recognizing and Understanding Addiction Behaviors
Subtle and difficult to diagnose, addiction can show itself in a variety of ways. These symptoms may not always be obvious and may manifest themselves differently for different people. Addiction support and recovery are often aided by the recognition of problematic patterns of addiction behaviors. Possible addiction behaviors include:
- Change in Priorities. When battling addiction, a person’s priorities may vary drastically. Getting and consuming the substance of choice may take precedence over previously important activities and duties.
- Increased Secrecy. Individuals struggling with addiction frequently engage in covert behavior regarding their substance abuse. They might even lie about their whereabouts or how much money they’ve spent to cover up their actions.
- Neglecting Responsibilities. Addiction can cause one to shirk both private and professional duties. This could mean skipping classes or a job, not helping out around the house, or falling behind on bills.
- Withdrawal From Close Friends and Family Members. An addiction is characterized by withdrawal. Some people may withdraw from social interactions as a means of concealing or defending their substance usage.
- Flip-Flopping Moods. Mood and personality changes can be a sign of addiction. The cycle of substance abuse and withdrawal has been connected to these fluctuations in mood.
- Withdrawal Symptoms and Tolerance. Individuals struggling with addiction may build up a tolerance as their dependency worsens, prompting them to consume more of the drug. They may face physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop using the chemical.
Helping Someone with Addiction Behaviors
It might be difficult to help a loved one through their addiction, but your support is crucial to their success. Communicating in an open and accepting manner is essential. Take a compassionate approach and tell them how you feel without placing blame. Urge them to consult a trained expert or visit a support group where they can find understanding listeners.
Learn as much as you can about the causes, consequences, and solutions to addiction. Having this information will allow you to tackle the problem with compassion for your loved one.
Setting healthy boundaries is also crucial, as enabling behaviors can inadvertently perpetuate the addiction. Establish clear boundaries and consequences for their actions, ensuring you stick to them.
Advocate for getting expert help, such as at a center like Houston, Texas’s Taylor Recovery Center, which provides individualized and all-encompassing addiction treatment plans. The trained professionals at this clinic focus on treating the whole person, not just their addiction.
Taylor Recovery Center Offers the Best Addiction Treatment in Houston in a Luxurious Setting.
Let’s say you’ve discovered that a loved one is displaying various addictive behaviors. If that’s the case, they probably have a serious problem that goes beyond casual use or experimenting. Contact Taylor Recovery Center, a well-known luxury rehab in Houston, if you or a loved one are interested in learning more about the signs of addiction.
