Drug addiction is considered to be a serious disorder of the brain and it should be holistically treated as such by medical professionals.

Am I addicted to drugs?

Drug use can quickly spiral from recreational to abuse and addiction. If you are experiencing any of the following signs, it could indicate that you are facing drug addiction:

Obsessively worrying about when you can next buy or use drugs

A clear sign of addiction is when you find yourself obsessively thinking about using drugs. If you are unable to concentrate on work because you are not sure when you can next use drugs, or you skip out on commitments because you have the opportunity to buy or use drugs, you may have a drug addiction.

Lying to or stealing from your friends and family

Relationships can inadvertently take a back seat when struggling with drug addiction. If you are addicted to drugs, they are likely the most important thing in your life at the moment. This means that you might be more comfortable than usual deceiving your friends and family if it would help facilitate your drug use. Lying or stealing money from your loved ones can be a sign that your drug use has surpassed casual, recreational use.

Feeling irritable when you haven’t used drugs

Experiencing negative side effects after not using drugs can be a sign of withdrawal symptoms, which in itself can be a sign of drug addiction. Withdrawal symptoms indicate the body’s physical addiction to drugs. Withdrawal symptoms can range from irritability and muscle aches to fever and seizures.

Physically and mentally craving drugs

Drug addiction is both physical and mental. Addiction can consume your thoughts and motivations and it can also make you physically crave drugs, and physically experience withdrawal symptoms in the absence of drugs.

Using drugs in increasingly large amounts

As drug addiction progresses, the body can tolerate more and more of the drug at a time, which is known as a tolerance. A high tolerance for a drug can be a sign that you are addicted because it could indicate high and frequent usage of the drug.

Being unable to quit using drugs, despite multiple attempts

You may already know that using drugs is bad for you. You may have tried to quit once, or several times, before. If your efforts haven’t stuck, you may need professional addiction treatment to help break the cycle.

Missing school, work, or other obligations

Drug addiction can distort your priorities such that using drugs becomes your primary interest. If you are addicted to drugs, you may find yourself prioritizing using drugs over – going to work, completing schoolwork, feeding yourself or your family or tending to your home. You may also find yourself spending money that should be used for bills and necessities on drugs instead.

Putting yourself in dangerous situations

Whether you’re meeting a stranger to buy drugs or operating a vehicle after using drugs, putting yourself in harm’s way as a result of drugs can indicate that you are addicted to drugs. Drug addiction clouds rational cognition and thinking, and using drugs can lower your inhibitions and risk tolerance. 

Taking medication after your prescription has run out

Some prescription medications, like pain medication, can be the precursor to a serious drug addiction. If you have continued to take a medication, or a similar one, after you no longer have a prescription, it could be a sign that the medication acted as a gateway of sorts to drug addiction.

How can I treat my drug addiction?

Silver Ridge Recovery is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based drug addiction treatment. Our holistic addiction treatment program seeks to heal the mind, body, and spirit through a combination of recreational therapy, mindfulness and meditation, nutritional support, and group and individual counseling.

Remember that, regardless of any past transgressions or mistakes, drug addiction is a disease of the brain and not a reflection on your personhood. If you are struggling with drug addiction, get help today by calling 855-945-7788.