The Signs of Addiction
Could you or someone you know be addicted?
Outline• Definition of Addiction
• 7 Signs of addiction:
• Questioning
• Defensiveness
• Blaming
• Secrets and lies
• Time and effort
• Guilt and shame
• Isolation
• Summary
• Works cited
What is Addiction?• Compulsive physiological need for and use of a habit
forming substance characterized by tolerance and by well-defined physiological symptoms upon withdrawal.
• Persistent compulsive use of a substance to be physically, psychologically, or socially harmful (“Addiction”).
7 Signs of Addiction
Questioning• You might wonder:
• Why do I do this?
• Why can’t I stop this?
• Why do I keep doing this?
• The question to ask yourself is: Does my habit affect my everyday life or my relationships?
• If the answer is yes, you may have crossed the line to addiction
Defensiveness Defensiveness- Intended to deter aggression or attack; performed as to
avoid risk.
● Is easily upset or irritated when questioned, even about simple things
● Lashes out at loved ones and co-workers
● Justifies behaviors to others and themselves
● Attempts to convince others there isn’t an issue
● Re-directs aggression and blame onto another person
BlamingBlaming is what addicts do in order to make themselves feel
better about their addiction. Finding someone or something to blame helps them feel like their addiction isn’t the real issue.
-Only can one get over addiction if they admit they have an issue and take responsibility for their own action and not BLAME others for their problems.
Secrets and Lies
Addiction will probably not look like this, so we have to watch for more subtle signs.
Secrets and Lies• Hides alcohol bottles or drug paraphernalia around the house.
• Makes up excuses to get more (pills, alcohol, etc.) “The pills fell in the sink when I opened the bottle.”
• Valuables start disappearing, or are not longer needed. “I just sold my Xbox, I didn’t need it anymore.”
• The “magic bottle” that never empties. Check for bottles that contain diluted alcohol.
• Watch for products used to cover actions. (Visine to clear eyes, cologne or perfume to hide smell, soda to hide drinks in.)
Time and Effort• One sign of addiction is the amount of time the behavior consumes
• Manipulating situations and friends to allow more time for the behavior
• The behavior takes precedence over family and new/old relationships
• Failing or dropping out of school
• Becomes more reclusive
• Personal health and hygiene become substandard
• The behavior can take priority over eating and sleeping
• Distancing or ignoring friends and family
• Not able to complete necessary tasks for living, as the behavior exhausts all time and energy
Guilt and ShameGuilt- The fact of being responsible for an offense, self reproach for proposed
inadequacy or wrong doings
Shame- A painful emotion cause by feelings of guilt, embarrassment or disgrace
● Feelings of regret and remorse
● Knowing that a violation of moral code and standards has been crossed
● Acknowledgement of wrong doings, but the inability to change behaviors
● Overwhelming need to punish themselves for behavior
● Self destructive behavior that can lead to relapse
Isolation• Finds a quiet spot to drink or use
alone.
• Loses interest in hobbies or other activities.
• Separate themselves from friends and family.
• Separate themselves emotionally.
• Changes daily routines with no good reason.
Daniel LinderTherapist and author Daniel Linder describes the warning signs of addiction.
Works Cited• "Addiction." Merriam-Webster. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 19 Apr. 2014.
• Compton, W. M., & Volkow, N. D. (2006). Abuse of prescription drugs and the risk of addiction. Drug and alcohol dependence, 83, S4-S7.
• Urell Bill. www.addictionrecoverybasics.com Addiction Recovery. Web. April 2014
• Goldstein Stephanie Phd, Goldstein Alicia Phd. www.addictioninfo.org. Addictioninfo. Web. April 2014
