Addiction is still something of a taboo in our society. It really shouldn’t be because it affects a lot of people from all walks of life, many of whom become addicts due to the use of prescribed medications that they need to overcome various health issues, but the fact still remains that few people are really comfortable talking about addiction.

Because we are hesitant to talk about it, many people find themselves falling into addiction without even realizing what is happening to them. Hopefully, the early warning signs below will allow you to identify the beginnings of an addiction sooner so you can get the help you need from your doctor or an organization like Delphi Behavorial Health Group. Have a read and stay vigilant because it really can happen to anyone.

Isolation

Often, when people are succumbing to an addiction, they will isolate themselves from friends and family and stop attending activities they love because they do not want anyone to know what is happening and because their addiction becomes an all-consuming thing in their life. This is often the first sign that friends and family notice in someone who is experiencing addiction.

Paranoia

It is not uncommon for people to start getting paranoid, either because the drugs cause them to feel that way or because they are trying to hide their addiction and they worry that people are noticing and judging them, which can send their minds into overdrive.

Mood swings

Addictions to drugs and alcohol can cause mood swings. Sometimes, people will seem their normal happy selves, and at other times they may appear more angry or distressed than usual. This could be down to any number of things, but if you think an addiction could be at play, this is one early warning sign to look out for.

Blacking out

If you regularly wake up not being able to remember what you did the night before, this is a huge red flag that all is not well. This is often more common in people with alcohol addictions, but anyone who is using drugs regularly may find that their memory fails them more often, and at this point, seeking help is a really positive step to take.

Poor judgment

When people are in the early stages of addiction, they might do things that they would never usually do. For example, they might steal or get into fights or even simply withdraw from family life more than ever before. It can be quite hard to link their change of behavior with addiction, but if any of the other warning signs are there, then an honest conversation about it all may be needed as a starting point, especially if they do not think they have a problem.

If you or someone you love is currently exhibiting any of these early warning signs of addiction, it is really important that you seek help as soon as possible, Help is available, and the sooner you face up to the problem, the better the outcome is likely to be.