Spotting the signs of addiction can be tricky, often hindered by self-denial and justifications. One of the hardest steps in treating addiction is recognizing that they have an addiction in the first place. It’s a process that requires self-reflection and awareness of our own habits. Regardless, recognizing the signs of addiction is a non-negotiable step in any addiction recovery process. Addiction can be very complex to treat, while its symptoms can be subtle. One of the reasons spotting addiction is difficult is because someone doesn’t have to exhibit all the symptoms to have addiction issues. Meanwhile, having only one or two symptoms doesn’t always mean someone has an addiction problem. Below are the potential symptoms or indications that you or someone might have addiction:

• Loss of Control: When you struggle over stopping or restricting a certain activity or substance, whether it’s alcohol, video games, or anything else, it can be a sign that you have an addiction problem. Unfortunately, it’s had to spot this sign because the most common way addicted people deceive themselves by believing ‘they can stop anytime they want’. One practical way to confirm if you’ve lost some control is to try stopping/pausing from engaging in it for a week and see if you struggle accomplishing this. Loss of control is a sign that the substance or behavior might be taking a bit too much space in your life.

• Craving: Ever had a sudden craving for your favorite snack at random times? Consistent cravings for a behavior or substance are similar but way more intense, interfering with your daily life. It’s like a friend who overstays their welcome.

• Tolerance: Imagine needing an extra scoop of ice cream every time to feel satisfied. The same goes for addiction—the more you engage, the more you need to reach the same level of satisfaction. It’s like a growing appetite that only lead to deeper hunger the more you indulge.

• Withdrawal Symptoms: Trying to cut back yet feeling a little off? It’s not just you— they are signs of addiction when you try to limit or reduce your intake, also known as withdrawal symptoms. From feeling irritated to feeling under the weather, your body might be giving you signals that it’s gotten used to a certain routine that has turned into dependence. Withdrawal symptoms don’t always have to be severe, it can range from mild irritability or fatigue to more severe cases such as seizures.

• Neglecting Responsibilities: Sometimes, we all let the laundry pile up, but when addiction takes the stage, important responsibilities like work or family can take a back seat. When certain substances or behaviors affect your ability to take care of your responsibilities, it can be a sign that you’re addicted.

• Strained Relationships: Remember that time your friend or loved ones got a bit upset because you canceled plans again? Addiction can strain relationships in various ways when you start prioritizing your behaviors over your relationships, distancing yourself from people around you.

• Loss of Interest: Remember those hobbies you used to love? Addiction can make them fade into the background as the addictive behavior takes center stage, like a new friend who’s demanding all your attention. When you notice an unintended and unwanted shift in your lifestyle, it can be a wakeup call that you need to reevaluate your relationship with a certain behavior.

• Time and Energy: Ever spent way too much time on a video game or a TV show? Addiction can turn that casual interest into a full-blown obsession, taking a significant chunk of your time and energy with it. While it doesn’t mean every show-binging is an addiction, when combined with other signs, it might be time to take a step back and do some self-reflection.

• Secrecy: We all have our secrets, but when it comes to addiction, it’s like hiding a bad school test result from your parents. The secrecy often comes from feeling a bit embarrassed or wanting to protect your image or relationships while maintaining the addictive substance or behavior.

The dangerous part of addiction often lies in its gradually increasing intensity, creeping into one’s life almost unnoticed. Similar to the adage of the frog in a pot of water that slowly boils—the changes are gradual, and only when the water reaches a boiling point that the frog realizes the danger. Similarly, addiction tends to sneak into everyday routines, making it challenging for individuals to recognize the increasingly more intense signs. What might start as an occasional indulgence can slowly turn into a hard to reverse long-term pattern over time. The subtlety of this progression is also reason why many people with addiction problems may refuse to acknowledge the changes. As we’ve mentioned before, self-deception/denial is one of the toughest barriers treating addiction. The journey to recovery begins with breaking through this barrier of denial and facing the reality of the situation.

Someone doesn’t have to exhibit all the listed symptoms to be on the addiction journey. A person struggling with video games addiction might not show any physical withdrawal symptoms just as someone with a gambling addiction might not lose other hobbies/interests. It’s possible to only have one symptom yet intense enough to be diagnosed with an addiction problem. If you or someone you know recognizes these signs, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider, counselor, or addiction specialist for guidance and external help. Addiction is not a battle someone can easily overcome, and relapses are a normal part of the journey. What matters most is your attitude and commitment towards wanting a better life.