Noticeable Signs of Addictive Behavior

Addictive behavior is a hallmark of substance abuse. Rewarding and reinforcing leads to a behavior becoming addictive. In substance abuse, the reward of the high, and the possible relief of something uncomfortable reinforces the behavior. This reward and reinforcement help cement the psychological compulsion to use an addictive substance.

Patterns of Addictive Behavior

Research has identified some patterns of behavior associated with addiction. Unsuccessful attempts to quit using a substance is a typical behavior. People often think that if they just cut back a bit, that the obsession will stop. They may promise themselves to cut back or stop, but then are unable to keep the promise.

Loss of control is another standard behavior among addicted people. Loss of control is evident after promising to quit or cut back. When they relapse, they then feel strong emotions of guilt and depression. These emotions may cause them to use more of the substance to escape those feelings.

What Causes Addictive Behavior?

The term addictive personality refers to those who have a higher risk of developing an addiction. Some factors contribute to this type of personality. One element is sensation-seeking or thrill-seeking. People with this trait often pursue feelings and experiences that are new, intense or complex.

Another aspect is poor impulse control. These people have trouble resisting impulses. Their resistance is further compromised by the addictive substance they take. They have more susceptibility to continuing the use of something that feels good.

People who have difficulty coping with stress and negative emotions also exhibit this personality. When substance use or abuse relieves their stress or negative feelings, they have trouble not falling into heavy chronic use.

Many of these people also struggle with other mental health disorders that they self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. Unfortunately, the substance use not only makes the other matter worse but becomes its own problem in time.

Treatment for Addictive Behavior

Thought it might be a difficult decision to enter treatment for drug addiction, it remains the best way to safely stop using drugs and also iron out mental health issues. Treatment centers like Beaches Recovery in Florida employ dual diagnosis treatment to evaluate co-occurring disorders and treat them at the same time as the addiction.

Addiction treatment doesn’t have to be uncomfortable or scary. Beaches offers a range of treatments to increase both physical and mental health. Some of our services include:

• Alternative therapies like equine and music therapy
• A holistic approach to treatment
• Yoga and mindfulness based treatment
• Nutrition and health and wellness education
• Group and individual programs
• Full detox services at Tides Edge

If you or a loved one are going through the patterns of addictive behavior, don’t wait to get help. Stop the cycle of addiction at Beaches Recovery. Call us today at 866.605.0532 and start reclaiming your life.