The formation of any addiction (whether it is alcohol, smoking, drugs or computer games) occurs according to a similar algorithm. If he systematically follows the second path, then he will very soon develop an addiction.
We give you 10 main signs of addiction. If most of them are characteristic of your behavior, then you should seek help from a specialist as soon as possible.
10. You are ready to do anything to achieve the state you need
You can sacrifice everything or anyone, just to achieve the desired state. Now only that “buzz” is put at the forefront and all future life will now be subordinated only to him. Your interests have narrowed extremely, now nothing in the world can excite you more than the question of where to get the next “dose”.
This symptom is one of the most characteristic for people with addiction. Because of this, their behavior sooner or later becomes asocial and can pose a threat to others.
9. You spend too much money on your addiction
There is nothing to have breakfast, utility bills no longer fit in the mailbox, it is already autumn outside the window, and you only have skates from warm clothes. A familiar picture? For an addicted person, even the most basic needs automatically fall into the category of minor ones, because the first in the list of expenses will be precisely addiction.
8. You feel bad if you are not doing a “favorite thing”
If for some reason you can’t get another batch of “buzz”, then you will feel very bad. There will be nervousness, distracted attention, fear. You will not be able to fully concentrate on any other matter, because all your thoughts will be directed only to get your own as quickly as possible.
Unhealthy craving can manifest itself in very clear physical pain, even if we are not talking about the use of substances containing opiates that cause narcotic “breaking”. For example, patients suffering from gambling addiction admit that experiencing a strong urge to play, they feel quite tangible physical ailment.
7. Your circle of communication has changed
You less and less want to meet old friends: either they don’t have enough time for them, or you are not as interested in them as before. Or maybe you are just tired of their constant moralizing and endless calls to give up harmful addiction. Now you are much more pleasant to spend time with new friends who have the same habits as you. You can always find a common language with them, and they will not read notations.
6. You do not feel well and look bad
Bad habits have never made anyone more beautiful. It is likely that you do not get enough sleep or eat irregularly. It is also possible that you not only neglect the basic care of your appearance, but even your hygiene is not very watch. Now think, where will the pleasant appearance come from? Although people suffering from extreme forms of dependence are not very concerned about their appearance. All they care about is finding a new “dose."
5. All thoughts and conversations you have about only one thing
You involuntarily translate any conversation only on the subject of your dependence, even when it is completely inappropriate. All your thoughts in one way or another boil down to addiction. Now you can only be in three states: “high”, memories of “high” and attempts to feel “high” again. All other problems lose relevance, in comparison with the all-encompassing craving that has completely absorbed your consciousness.
4. Your life is subject to a new routine.
Now the whole way of life is built in accordance with your basic need. Morning begins with a bad habit, the day continues under its “banner” and ends in the same way. And tomorrow - all over again. If something happens that violates the usual routine, then you feel severe irritation and discomfort that applies to everyone who is nearby. Therefore, it turns out that even family members of a person suffering from addiction, involuntarily have to adjust their lives to the addiction of a loved one. Thus, another pathological condition develops, which is called “co-dependence”.
3. You get angry when you are forbidden to use
Moral teachings or criticism from friends, acquaintances, or closest people are perceived “with hostility”. In extreme cases, this may result in sheer aggression. You find excuses for yourself or simply advise them not to get into their own business, because it is almost impossible to convince dependent people that they have a problem. It seems to them that this is just a way to relax, and no more.
2. You cannot live a day without a source of pleasure
It may have occurred to you that your craving is unhealthy, and it is likely that you tried to voluntarily give up your attraction by taking a break at least for a day. Only now, such an experiment each time ends in failure - the addiction is stronger.
1. You no longer take into account the opinions of others
Your loved ones can make scandals daily and ask you to come to your senses. The boss at work will face dismissal. Friends will not pick up the phone when they see your number on the screen. And you do not care. You will continue to serve your habit with the same obstinacy and prove to the whole world that you are right, until no one close is left.