To know that you have crossed the line into addiction is both frightening and confusing. For most people, this knowledge arrives quickly, while others may not realize they have an addiction for years. It’s important to tune into your state of mental health and assess the status of any possible addictions to help you have greater success with recovery.
What Defines Addiction?
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) defines addiction this way:
“Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences. Addiction is considered a brain disorder because it involves functional changes to brain circuits involved in reward, stress, and self-control. Those changes may last a long time after a person has stopped taking drugs. Addiction is a lot like other diseases, such as heart disease. Both disrupt the normal, healthy functioning of an organ in the body, both have serious harmful effects, and both are, in many cases, preventable and treatable. If left untreated, they can last a lifetime and may lead to death.”
It is important to remember that addictions can apply to a variety of different substances. These can include:
- Alcohol
- Prescription medications
- Cocaine
- Heroin
However, these are not the only substances that involve addiction. Addictive behaviors can be found in several different arenas. However, if you find that your addictions are related to substance use, the signs that you have crossed the line will appear different than with other activities.
Developing a Dependence
If you are unsure whether you have crossed the line into addiction, it is important to look at your dependence. It is not only using illicit substances but feeling a need for them that is the true gateway to addiction. If you find yourself in any given moment not only craving but truly needing these substances, it is time to seek help.
Noticing Changing Habits
Along with dependence comes changing habits. When addiction begins to take hold, you will realize that your entire life will change to accommodate your growing dependence. You will find that you have specific issues that apply to you as an individual. However, there are general changes that appear in many or most people. These can include, but are not limited to:
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Decrease or increase in food intake
- Loss of weight
- Sudden mood swings
- Inability to concentrate on work
- Issues with personal relationships
Taken separately, they may seem like temporary problems. However, any combination may point to a growing addiction. These changes will be far more prevalent should you be further into your addiction than you previously thought. They will also become more obvious when addictions involve more than one substance at the same time.
A Crossed Line Does Not Mean the End
When you begin to understand your addiction, that is the perfect time to deal with it. In fact, no matter where you are in your process and understanding, that is the perfect time to deal with it.
A person who can identify that they have an issue is someone who is also capable of handling that issue. However, there is no reason to do it alone. You are surrounded by people who want to help you. They may be family and friends. They may also be complete strangers who have an understanding of what addiction and healing look like.
Accepting Assistance
Even when assistance is offered, you may feel reticent about accepting it. After all, who are these people trying to give you advice and point you in directions you may not understand?
Sometimes, when you are deep into your addiction, you will find yourself in a state of mild or full-blown paranoia. You may believe that others are attempting to influence you in ways that will be detrimental. Perhaps you suspect they are only in it for themselves. In most cases, it is important to make an effort to overcome these feelings.
While it is invariably difficult to push through these feelings, it is important to note that the fact you are even aware of them is a step in the right direction. Considering all the ways you may put roadblocks in front of your self-care, accepting assistance is a pivotal step toward achieving your recovery goals.
The Benefits of Sober Life
There are a variety of care options available for those who enter the Sober Life program. With a simple phone call, you can discover which options exist for someone who has crossed the line. The program at Sober Life includes a variety of options that can accommodate all levels of addiction. These include:
- Detox
- Inpatient program
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
- Outpatient programs
Regardless of your level of addiction, each of these options and even a combination may be right for you. Remember, recognizing that you have crossed the line into addiction is the first step on the path to recovery.
At Sober Life, we understand that the idea of addiction can be frightening. People may believe they are casual users of different substances, only to realize that their need has begun to outweigh everything else. When this line is crossed, how should you deal with it? What are the ways to get back to a healthy style of living? At Sober Life, the main goal is to help you understand how you got to where you are and help you deal with the consequences of your actions. The fact is that for many people, simply asking if they have crossed the line means they already have. This should not deter them from finding care. To learn more, call (619) 542-9542.
