More often than not, drug and process addictions start with the experimental use of a drug, or a behavior such as exploring pornography when it comes to sex addiction. And for some people, their use becomes more frequent. As time passes, a person may feel the need to use more of a drug or behavior to get their desired high, and soon a person may need it to simply feel “good.”
Drug addiction symptoms and behaviors include, among others:
- Feeling the need to use the drug regularly or behavior, which can be daily or multiple times a day
- Having intense urges for the drug or behavior.
- Over time, needing more of the drug or behavior to get the same effect
- Being certain that the availability of the drug or isolation with the behavior.
- Not meeting obligations and work responsibilities
- Doing things you wouldn’t normally such as stealing
- Focusing more and more time and energy on acting out.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using
- Failed attempts to quit using
If you can relate to any of the above symptoms or behaviors, it may be time to consider addiction counseling.
As an addiction counselor, I will address the symptoms of your addiction and the related areas of impaired functioning, and together we’ll structure the time and content of your ongoing recovery.
I believe that there are many paths to successful recovery that will work with your goals and desires, and ensure you can make the life changes you want to make.