Not everyone can tell they have a substance abuse issue. While others around you may notice you acting differently, you may not understand the signs and symptoms of a problem until confronted. Here are five of the most common signs you may have a substance abuse problem and what you can do to help yourself overcome it.
5 Signs You May Have a Substance Abuse Problem to Fight
Cravings
Intense cravings for drugs, food, drink, or other substances can be an indication you have an issue that needs to be addressed. Depending on the drug in question, you may find you not only crave the substance but food or drink as well when high.
Physical Dependence
A physical dependence on a substance can manifest itself in a variety of ways, sometimes mimicking withdrawal symptoms as well. As you become dependent on a substance, your body becomes dependent on it, too which means you’ll often feel bad or sick when not high or when not using regularly.
Tolerance
As time goes on, you become more dependent on a substance which builds your tolerance to it. You may need a higher dosage to get high. If you notice you need to drink more, smoke more, or partake in a substance in higher dosages, you’re building a tolerance which is cause for concern.
Withdrawal Symptoms
When you go without the substance, even for a brief period of time, you may experience mental, emotional, and physical symptoms of withdrawing. You’ll crave the substance like never before and until you get more, you may continue with withdrawal symptoms that make you feel horrible. This is always something to be on the lookout for, especially as tolerance for a substance grows.
Isolation
While some substance users feel more social when indulging, others isolate themselves so the world around them doesn’t see what the substance does to them. If you’re a social person and you start ditching your family and friends to indulge in your substance of choice, consider what’s making.
Substance abuse problems are never easy to deal with, regardless of the support system around you. By being able to identify some of the signs yourself or with the help of others, you can set yourself up for overcoming them before your life becomes unmanageable.