What Are the Behavioral Signs of Addiction?

Between alcohol consumption and drug use, addiction impacts millions of people every day. It affects not only the individual that’s addicted, but also their friends, family members, and those that surround them on a daily basis. Without help, addiction can and will fundamentally ruin lives. 

According to recent studies, approximately 17.6 million adults abuse alcohol in the United States, and another 20 million adults have used an illegal drug in the past month. Together, they account for thousands of deaths every year, yet millions of others avoid or deny treatment. 

As the addiction worsens, so do the consequences – not just physically but emotionally, socially, mentally, spiritually, habitually, and behaviorally. To avoid becoming a shell of your former self, seek help and accept treatment from those ready to give you a second chance.

What is the Definition of Addiction?

Addiction is defined as a compulsive, chronic disorder that causes habit-forming and drug-seeking behavior. 

Addiction generally has no boundaries and can affect anyone. Whether they become addicted to alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription drugs, gambling, sex, tobacco, marijuana, or the internet – and the longer you avoid or deny treatment, the longer you put yourself and your family at risk.

Atlantic Recovery Center is a South Florida residential rehab center that is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about potential treatment options in your area.

How Does Addiction Impact a Person?

Addiction can impact a person in any and every way possible, but the impact is usually far-reaching and generally won’t stop at just the addicted individual. As the addiction grows worse, it will begin to have a deep impact on the individual’s friends, family, and loved ones. 

Let’s take a look at some of the major ways addiction can impact a person:

• Legally: engaging in illegal activity, such as committing crimes, driving under the influence, accidents, stealing
• Financially: paying for drugs or alcohol instead of paying bills, loss of income
• Hobbies: spending time getting high or drunk instead of doing things you love, lack of enjoyment out of things you once enjoyed
• School: getting suspended or expelled, not doing homework, not paying attention in class, poor grades
• Work: getting fired or suspended without pay, missed days, bad relationships with coworkers
• Physically: heart problems, injuries, overdoses, stroke, cancer, frequent hospital visits
• Emotionally: depression, frequent mood swings, irritability, emotional outbursts, having a hard time connecting with others)
• Mentally: lack of focus, diminished cognitive ability, mental disorders, aggression, hallucinations
• Spiritually: lack of motivation, lack of purpose or meaning in one’s life, no sense of direction in life, feeling stuck

Now, let’s look at some of the major ways addiction impacts a person’s family, friends, and loved ones:

• Lack of trust among friends and family members
• Frequent arguments and disagreements between family and friends
• Broken promises and failure to meet expectations
• Isolation from those that mean the most to you
• Violence or domestic abuse
• Failed or strained relationships with others
• Bad influence on children in or around the home

At the Atlantic Recovery Center, we provide a wide range of recovery services to ensure your loved one receives the help they need – including residential treatment, extended treatment, dual diagnosis, aftercare programs, and alumni groups. We also provide family counseling. 

What Are the Behavioral Signs of Addiction?

As a friend or a family member, you must keep a close eye on all the warning signs of addiction, but it’s usually the behavioral signs of addiction that act as a wake-up call. If you notice a loved one behaving differently or irrationally, don’t ignore the signs and always reach out for help. 

Let’s take a look at the behavioral signs of addiction:

• Missing work or school
• Isolating yourself from others
• Being secretive about your whereabouts
• Changes in eating or sleeping habits
• Legal issues or criminal activity
• Always asking for money or having a lack of it

Other major signs of an addict include a loss of control over how often or how much alcohol or drugs are being used, craving the use of drugs or alcohol, continuing to use drugs or alcohol in the face of negative consequences, and rapid weight loss – all are signs of addictive behavior.

How to Find Addiction Treatment in Davie, FL

Are you noticing any of the above warning signs of addiction in a loved one? Has a friend or family member been showing any signs of addictive behavior? Are you worried their signs of addictive behavior might grow into something much worse? If so, then we’re ready to help!

At Atlantic Recovery Center, our goal is to help others on their road to recovery. Our trained professionals ensure that you or your loved one are given the best care and treatment possible. 
Contact us today to learn more about our South Florida rehab center.