Rose was a young intern at a financial agency. This was her first work experience in the corporate sector and she was very excited. She quickly adjusted to the work culture and performed well to earn rewards and promotions. Her long working hours often ended with a glass or two of wine with her colleagues at a club or coffee shop.

Soon the occasional drinking sessions became regular as they made her feel happy and relaxed. Little by little, she became addicted. She needed alcohol to ease her tense muscles and prepare her for the next day. As the pressure of work increased, she began to drink heavily. This resulted in nights out, hangovers, absences from work and came the day she was fired from her. Her addiction cost her the job she loved and was so proud of.

Like Rose, many of us develop a taste for something that does more harm than good. One could be addicted to alcohol, drugs, sex, video games, gambling, or even shopping. And when the issue gets out of control, the person should be encouraged to seek help from an addiction help center that treats the underlying problem holistically during recovery, as well as through an aftercare program.

It is possible to control the situation and prevent it from getting worse. All one needs to do is watch for signs of addiction and act immediately. Some of the red flags could be:

1. Continuing with an addiction despite negative effects – When an addiction takes control, the affected person has a tendency to ignore the warning signs and continue to pursue the substance or habit regardless of the impact it may have on physical and psychological health, relationships or work.
2. Give up social events – Addicts can become so obsessed with their addiction that, over time, they may stop attending social gatherings they used to enjoy, as events may not give them the opportunity or time to use the substance they wanted to use. they abuse.
3. Suffer from withdrawal symptoms – When a person tries to quit an addiction, they may experience severe withdrawal symptoms. This is because the body becomes so used to a substance that it becomes distressed in its absence. Withdrawal symptoms can be both physical and psychological, and in some cases quite life-threatening.
4. Keep addiction a secret – People tend to mask addiction by keeping it a secret. They fear being judged, so they try to hide their habit from friends and family.
5. increased tolerance – When an addiction develops, over time, the body begins to get used to it and to produce the same high, it needs more of the substance, which leads to tolerance. Addiction can take over the mind and body completely.
6. not being able to stop – Addiction can be so overwhelming that, despite the best of intentions, a person simply cannot quit or tap. One loses self-control and gets carried away by it.
7. Take risks – An addicted brain has a tendency to take risks. Under the influence of a substance, one can lose one’s guard and engage in risky behavior. An addicted person may steal something, engage in unsafe sex, drive under the influence, or start fights and become abusive.
8. made up excuses – When a person develops an addiction, his life becomes a web of lies and excuses. When friends and loved ones express concern, you may go to any lengths to avoid them and withdraw into your own world.

Seek help before it’s too late

Fortunately, it is possible to deal with alcohol or drug addiction if you agree that you have a problem and are willing to get help with it. Delaying the matter will worsen your health and decrease your chances of full recovery.