These definitions acknowledge that the actions a person takes or the substance s/he ingests medicates. It is only when the person is withdraws from the activity that s/he even acknowledges a problem. Recover is complicated because the very thing that creates the problem, the addiction, is the same thing that provides the relief (e.g. the compulsive eater eats two bags of potato chips to relieve the pain of being obese.).
How serious is the problem? Look at it two ways. First, about 6 to 10% of the adult population in the US is addicted. That means that as 20million people. Second, if you or a family member is addicted, you don’t care about how many other addicted people there are, you just know that your life is miserable because of the compulsion.
There are many web pages that can help you decide if you or a loved one has an addiction. Here are the major stages for those who suffer from addiction.
Stage I
Changes in behavior pattern
Changes in mood related to addictive behaviors or the times between active addictions
Feelings of shame and guilt
Becomes delusional (denial of problems that clearly exist)
Stage II
Justifies the unjustifiable
Violates core values and beliefs (lies, cheats, steals)
Withdraws from friends who don’t participate in behaviors
Loss of control
Stage III
Emotional or mental breakdowns
Loss of health, job and/or family
Suicidal feelings
Common Addictions
Gambling
Exercise
Gaming
If you or someone you know has these symptoms, seek help immediately. You can find resources in your local phonebook.
Today’s Truth: Being patient is doing something while you’re waiting. It’s not agonizing silently as you hear the seconds tick by. When you have to wait, bring something to do. This way your one non-renewable resource (time) will not be wasted.
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