There’s a fine line between a bad habit and addiction. Unfortunately, because it’s such a fine line, it’s easy to cross over it without even realizing it. And during the pandemic, many people started drinking more often and let’s be honest, just drinking more. So, how do I know if it’s something I should be concerned about? Here’s 5 signs your drinking is now a problem.
You might think that drinking or using any type of drug is something you have under control. Maybe it started out as something you did with friends. As a casual part of getting together. Or maybe you used it to relax.
In some cases, though, your social or emotional habits can quietly become a dependency. And once this happens, it’s harder to stop than you might think.
With that in mind, it’s important to understand the signs that your habit has gone beyond “harmless”. When it is affecting the quality of your life and how you behave each day, a habit has crossed over into addiction territory.
But how can you be sure?
Let’s look at five clear signs that your habit has become an addiction. The sooner you take these signs to heart, the sooner you can seek the help you need and deserve.
1. You Can’t Stop
This is, by far, the most obvious sign that your habit has gotten out of control. If you’re unable to keep yourself from taking the substance, drinking, or performing a certain action (ie; compulsively watching pornography, etc.), you may have become addicted.
Addicts have an extremely hard time giving up their “habits” on their own; psychologically and physically. That’s why extensive treatment and rehabilitation are often needed. If you feel a constant need and urge to give in to that habit, it’s time to consider that there’s something more going on.
2. You’ve Isolated Yourself
People who are addicted to something often isolate themselves from others. They know they can’t be away from whatever their addiction is for long. Plus, they might worry that other people could sense something “off” about them.
If you’ve started to cut yourself off from your friends and family or you aren’t interacting the way you normally would, ask yourself why? Does it have anything to do with that “habit”?
3. You’re Getting Into Financial Trouble
Most addictions cost money. The more you need, the more it costs. Unfortunately, drug dealers know how much people rely on certain substances, so they’re happy to raise their prices so addicts can get their “fix”. If your choice is alcohol, something as simple as a case of beer can cost $25.
As you continue to feed your addiction, you might find that you run into financial issues. But, because you can’t give it up, you might find other means of getting the money. It’s not uncommon for addicts to take from others in their house, to sell their belongings, or even to give up things like eating or paying for utilities so they can use that money for their addiction.
If that sounds like you, or you realize you’re experiencing financial strain, it will only continue to get worse unless you seek help.
4. Your Behaviors Are Unstable
Have you noticed yourself doing some things that you wouldn’t normally do? It’s not uncommon for addicts to practice “risky” behaviors. Unfortunately, those behaviors could get you hurt, or cause harm to others. There’s a difference between doing something fun that will boost your adrenaline and doing something that could put your life in danger.
You know yourself better than anyone. You might not want to admit it, but being active in dangerous behaviors isn’t you. Listen to yourself, and to any loved ones reaching out to help.
5. Your Relationships Are Strained
In addition to isolating yourself, have you found that your relationships are struggling? That could include a romantic relationship, friendships, or how close you are with family members.
Addiction affects every relationship in your life. You might not feel you can be yourself without getting judged. Meanwhile, your friends and family might be concerned about you.
If you start to become paranoid about your relationships, it might spill over into other areas of life, including your job. That can lead to poor work performance and start a vicious cycle of losing your career and trying to fuel your addiction all at once.
These signs aren’t meant to shame you. Instead, they’re meant to inform and help you. If any of them sound familiar or have caused any personal realizations, feel free to contact me. You can beat your addiction and take control of your life again— but you don’t have to do it alone.