10 Signs of Drug & Alcohol Addiction, #3 Will Shock You!
3/26/2019
It is both true and unfortunate that addicts and alcoholics active in their disease exhibit a number of problem some traits. We’ve gone through and outlined some of them for you here. You may be familiar with some of these but I bet not all. Now by all means this list is not exclusive not does it mean that anyone exhibiting these traits is abusing drugs or alcohol. These are just tendencies that we’ve found to be heavily correlated to active addiction.
1. Excuses
Total opposite of making an effort--the using alcoholic and addict thrive when it comes to crafting excuses. Excuses vary but often serve to justify their habits and ongoing choices. “I use because of real pain.”, “Well, I’ve always drank… My family drinks.”, “I work hard and deserve to relax.”, “The stress is too much.”. Excuses liberate the mind of the using addict and alcoholic, and allow the progression of harmful choices to exist in a world almost devoid of shame & guilt. What shame does exist is quickly relieved by getting high or drunk which continues a perpetuating problem.
2. Sporadic behavior
An active alcoholic and addict have undoubtedly at some point been “all-over-the-place”. Whether loaded or on the way to be; those afflicted can be calm and docile one moment, and charged and even violent the next. In an almost constant fluctuation addicts and alcoholics’ actions and tendencies can turn on a dime--the changes can at first be uncertain and confusing, but after any observation become quite clear.
3. Gossip about others to keep attention off themselves
Alcoholics and addicts are no strangers when it comes to the false flag. By making mention of another (often someone close or a public figure), they can expertly cite cases more dire than their own. Be it a family member, neighbor, co-worker, or celebrity; the active addict and alcoholics’ lifestyle pales in comparison to whoever serves their example. If denial is strong enough those afflicted might even intervene or aid in getting help for another.
4. Anxious
Anxiety is a hard won ally of those in the throes of the disease of addiction. Always on edge; a feeling of impending doom can be both real and imagined. Loaded, or during stints dry, the active alcoholic and addict fights a mental battle that often ends in use or imbibe. Time turns, and periods between can cause a noticeable change in behavior--thoughts and speech that are not cogent, fidgeting, pacing, and overall attitude; anxiety can surface in those of even the calmest disposition.
5. Impatient
Unable to wait or stay a duration, addicts and alcoholics seldom wait and can be quick to temper. Loaded or not, a moody and irritated temperament can become apparent. Affecting relationships and organizational demands of their daily lives, the effects of this impatience can be misread; in an unending state of urgency, the afflicted may be perceived as overly busy in matters other than their self-will run riot.
6. Pessimism
In align with the progression of destructive habits and choices, “the glass half empty” can go hand-in-hand with the active alcoholic and addicts’ philosophy. Seeing the worst in a situation is often a direct reflection of what they know in themselves to be true; a merciless mirror that is carried, the doom and gloom of a most taxing lifestyle.
7. Introverted
Withdrawing into one’s self and away from others can be a common quality found in active addicts and alcoholics. Avoiding people and situations can almost perfectly offset detection. Left to one’s own devices those active in the disease of addiction can live as they see fit in a realm free of scrutiny. Being a loner lends itself well to the disease of addiction.
8. Highly defensive
Defending their disease can be compared to defending a relationship. Closely guarded, active alcoholics and addicts’ reactions to questions and exchanges regarding their drinking or drug(s) of choice can range from oversensitive to totally paranoid. The lengths those afflicted go to protect their drinking or drug use can cost them their lives and often the lives of others.
9. Seems out of touch
Having a faraway demeanor for the active addict and alcoholic can be most routine. Be it the effects of alcohol or drugs, denial or any other multitude of distracting thoughts or emotions--the “out-to-lunch” sufferer can appear to have few links to reality and daily life.
10. Lies
Dishonesty is a language many active alcoholics and addicts are fluent in. Be it out of necessity or habit, lies can effectively mask the practice of drinking or using; lies shroud where they are, where they’re going, possibly who they are with, and most frequently what they are doing. Truth and trust are not beyond the suffering addict or alcoholic, though lying does allow the safety of their disease.
If you have any questions about what type of treatment is right for you or your loved one, call Coastal Addiction Center today. We would be honored to be able to assist you in your journey towards recovery and a better life.
Coastal Addiction Center
527 S Archer St
Anaheim, CA 92804
1(844) 627-3268
