Sobriety Companions Counselling

Sober Companions and Addiction Specialists
Worldwide

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About Addiction

What Is Addiction

There are many causes leading to symptoms that can be attributed to addictive behaviors. Some people need their alcohol or substance to get through the day. Some need it to avoid going into uncomfortable withdrawal. Some drink or use drugs in an effort to avoid painful memories. Some drink or use drugs to allay social anxiety and discomfort. Some use alcohol and drugs on a semi-frequent basis but, when they do, they overdo it.

Addiction does not have a set list of symptoms that all must be met in order to identify and qualify someone as having a problem. It is for each individual to decide for himself or herself whether or not they think they have a problem. Identifiable addiction develops as early as junior high and as late as post retirement. The problem does not discriminate. It crosses all cultural, social, sexual and economic boundaries. In our company founder’s case, addiction set in at the age of 10.

Having said that, there are two traits that most alcoholics and addicts can identify with. The first is if, when you honestly want to stop drinking or using drugs, you find you cannot quit entirely. The second is if, when drinking or using drugs, you have little control over the amount you consume. If you are willing to admit to one or both of these descriptions, you might consider
seeking professional help.

In most cases of alcoholism and addiction, the person persists in engaging in addictive behaviors even as it is destructing their life and the lives of those around them. Motive for attempting recovery must not be to appease others. A person likely will not be successful in recovering unless they are able to acknowledge to their innermost self that they have a problem and that all their other ideas for a solution have failed them. Sometimes an intervention is very effective in triggering this thought process when necessary.

Seeking help for alcoholism and addiction is frightening. No one wants to admit that they have what they fear others would consider a weakness or lack of character. Believe us when we tell you that you are not alone and you are not weak.
Alcoholism and addiction are medically identifiable as genetic diseases, no different from diabetes. There is no cure, but with proper treatment you will keep it in remission for the rest of your life. Not only do you have loved ones to support you throughout the process, but ASC will introduce you to a whole new world of people just like yourself: doctors, attorneys, accountants, celebrities, athletes and politicians.

Indicators of Alcoholism

Identifying alcoholism and addiction early is extremely important. The earlier a person seeks help, the easier it is to achieve successful recovery. If you are concerned that you or a loved one may have a problem, the following are some symptoms that should be viewed as warning signs.

As alcoholic behavior increases, any measurable amount of time away from alcohol will trigger the following more obvious physical symptoms.

  • clammy skin and sweating
  • nausea and vomiting
  • a rapid or irregular heartbeat
  • shakiness and tremors

Do you or your loved one:

  • need alcohol to function or get through a day?
  • avoid activities and situations that don’t involve alcohol?
  • face family, work, school, or legal problems caused by alcohol?
  • hide the use of alcohol?
  • make excuses to drink?
  • need to drink increasingly greater amounts of alcohol?
  • experience intense cravings for alcohol?
  • experience mood swings and irritability?
  • experience nervousness, anxiety, or depression?
  • an inability or unwillingness to quit using drugs despite financial, family, health and legal problems?

In the worst cases, withdrawal symptoms can become deadly. This is diagnosed in medical terms as delirium tremens. Call 911 and get to an Emergency Room immediately. Symptoms of delirium tremens include:

  • hallucinations
  • confusion
  • fever
  • seizures

Indicators of Addiction

Addiction symptoms are often similar to those of alcoholism. Some of the most common signs are listed below.

Do you or a loved one present:

  • anxiety and irritability?
  • mood swings?
  • hyperactivity or lethargy?
  • confusion and poor memory?
  • changes in attitude?
  • a lackadaisical concern for personal hygiene?
  • poor work or school performance?
  • frequent absenteeism or tardiness at work or school?
  • new friendships with a lesser element of people?
  • a constant need for money?
  • a preoccupation with doing or obtaining drugs?
  • the spending of the majority of time using or recovering from the effects of drugs?
  • hostility when confronted about drug use?
  • an inability or unwillingness to quit using drugs despite financial, family, health and legal problems?

Physical Signs of Addiction

There are many physical symptoms of addiction. Many are quite obvious if you know what to look for.

Do you or a loved one present:

  • bloodshot eyes?
  • dilated or constricted pupils?
  • a runny nose?
  • excessive underarm sweat?
  • discomfort in the lower legs?
  • shakiness or tremors?
  • problems with coordination?
  • unusual weight loss or weight gain?
If any of your family or friends exhibit any of these descriptions you should consider the idea that they are suffering from addiction or alcoholism.
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