"Addiction" is a statement that has had problems holding onto its real meaning because it's been utilized too often. We have a tendency to assert to be "addicted" to everything from chocolate to action videos and everything in between. It's one thing to voice we have a "jones" for something that we feel persuasively attracted to, but a real addiction is different and can be injurious. But a quantity of objects or substances that aren't typically destructive may actually be the objects of "addictions." A number of people truly are "addicted" to things we could customarily think are safe. Is that hot fudge sundae something you mildly long for, or is it a valid addiction? We'll cover a few of the warning signs of genuine addiction.
Are you much more tolerant to greater quantities of the thing you want? Perhaps you used to have just one espresso or latte to get you going in the morning. But now you don't feel well until you've had at least two or three. This increase shows that you simply could be addicted. We are losing restraint when it calls for more and more of a substance to create the same effect in us. This is time and again one of the first and most identifiable signs of addiction.
Do you strive to keep individuals from finding your supply of hidden goodies? This is something that a lot of individuals who grow to be addicted to drugs and alcohol will do. They want to make access both hidden and speedy, and they're afraid that others have started to notice, so they stash things in places that are hard to find but easy for them to get to. If you've started stashing things out of sight to escape having folks commenting on them, this is a warning sign. But be certain to realize that there is a distinction between stashing bags of candy all over the house and denying that you ever eat any as opposed to merely hiding one bag so your spouse doesn't eat it all.
Have you started lying about how regularly you use or partake in the thing you long for? Alcoholics, as an example, may have a few drinks at home and subsequently go out to a tavern with friends for a few more. This allows them to drink as much as they desire without it looking like they are consuming a lot in public. Or they could merely keep consuming alcohol following parting from their friends. It's a comprehensible sign of shame and guilt when you use this sort of strategy to lie implicitly about your actions. Don't ignore the way that makes you feel.
It's important to bear in mind that addiction can appear in many forms. It isn't always drug addiction or alcoholism; common actions similar to eating, shopping, or even just getting some exercise can turn into objects of addiction for some of us. If you have started to lie concerning your deeds, conceal your manner or if it takes a lot more of the certain thing or activity to help you feel happy, these are characteristics that you should start looking for help in getting better. You know the saying, "All things in moderation"--just be vigilant that those things don't start to dominate your days.
Don't suffer alone and don't think you can heal yourself; look for help if you see the warning characteristics of addiction in your life. You need not have to give up your existence to addiction.