Signs You Are Addicted And How To Curb Cravings

Recognizing addiction is the first step to recovery. Once you admit to yourself that you have an addiction, you can do something about it.

The odds are, if you're on this site, you're questioning your behavior. Do you think you're abusing drugs or alcohol? Even just letting your mind go there can be troubling. You probably don't want to admit you have a problem, but if you are addicted, learning the signs and methods for curbing cravings is a great place to start your recovery journey.

Recognizing addiction and handling drug cravings are two important skills in recovery.

6 Signs That You're Addicted

The following six signs might mean that you're addicted, and alcohol or substance abuse is something you or your loved one should be concerned with.

#1. Having a desire to quit: When you are struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol, it is probably causing some issues in your life. If it weren't, you wouldn't have the desire to quit. Part of you craves sobriety and wants to be free from whatever your triggers are.

#2. Cravings: Drug cravings are no joke. If you are thinking about getting another drink or getting high before the one you have now had worn off, you are craving it. This is a bodily reaction from addiction. According to an October 2015 article from News in Health, substances can seize the pleasure or reward wiring in your brain and hook you into wanting more and more. 

#3. Gradually increasing your intake: Someone who consistently has one or two drinks when they go out with friends on the weekend probably isn't addicted. However, if two drinks turn into four and then eight and gradually increase, not only are you relying more heavily on this substance, but your tolerance is also increasing. Needing more of a substance to reach the same goal of intoxication is a sign that you're addicted. On top of a higher intake amount, using said substance during the week or even during work is a sign you are addicted or dependent on the substance.

#4. Prioritizing the substance: People who have a healthy relationship with alcohol don't mind if a restaurant is BYOB or going to a dry wedding. However, someone showing signs of addiction will prioritize their need for drugs or alcohol over time with friends, family, or other hobbies. Instead of doing things you formerly enjoyed, you would rather use or drink. This could be anything from canceling plans because there won't be drinking to spending money for bills on your addiction.

#5. Ignoring consequences: When using a substance starts leading to fights with loved ones or issues at work, but you continue to take part, you are most likely addicted. You won't admit to yourself that the problems in your life are directly correlated to your growing addiction.

#6. Symptoms of withdrawal: If your body starts showing signs of withdrawal when you haven't used it, it is time to seek help and work on curbing your cravings. Symptoms of withdrawal can be restlessness, irritability, anxiety, and more. If the only thing that calms these symptoms is the substance you use, then you are probably addicted. 

5 Ways to Curb Cravings

Curbing cravings is not as easy as it sounds. Addiction is not just in your head; it is physical and emotional as well. 

Although these tips for preventing relapse or urges to use are not foolproof, they can help you get ahold of yourself in a challenging situation. Next time you find yourself struggling with a craving, try one of these methods:

#1. Exercise: Exercise releases endorphins, which are proven to increase happiness and improve your mood. Exercise can enhance the quality of sleep, decrease depression, and offer a sense of accomplishment. Those feelings can have the power to override the need for a fix. You don't need to run a marathon either. A simple walk in the fresh air, yoga, or stretching can offer just as much peace.

#2. Practice self-care: Self-care is whatever makes you feel good and relaxed. For some, that might be doing a face mask and taking a bath. For others, it could be playing video games, doing a puzzle, or taking a nap. Find something that helps you wind down and take care of yourself. 

#3. Talk to someone: The feelings you're having in moments of cravings are valid. You might feel like they don't make sense, but they don't have to. Call a friend, your sponsor, or a trusted family member you can vent to. You can even journal to help get those emotions and urges out.

#4. Be creative: Do something that lets you release all the tension you're building up. Paint, focus on a project, draw, or even sing and dance. Do something that enables you to be creative. Let your feelings show through any art form you enjoy.

#5. Meditate: Meditation can be tricky if you're new to it. Essentially, it is a technique that focuses the mind toward a calm and stable state. It takes practice but being mindful can calm triggers and ease the racing thoughts of anxiety while having a craving.

Realizing You’re Addicted To Drugs & Alcohol Isn’t Easy

Spotting your own addiction is not always easy. It is a struggle to admit you have a problem and then try to do something about it. Learning and accepting the signs you're addicted is the first step to recovery.

You need to face your addiction head-on at drug rehab and fight your urges with the techniques that work for you. Working through your issues at an addiction center toward recovery could be your next goal. If you can learn to curb your cravings and find self-confidence and acceptance, you may be able to refocus your energy on more positive goals beyond your addiction

Your journey must start at a detox center. DetoxNearMe.com is the best place to search for a reputable, effective detox center near you. Start your search today with DetoxNearMe.com!