Are You Addicted?

Many people use the word “addicted” hyperbolically, usually to indicate how much they love something. As in, “I’m addicted to this new lotion,” as they slather it on their skin. That is probably not actually addiction, just something pleasurable. But what, then, is addiction?

The short answer is something that can be pleasurable initially, but when you continue the activity, it interferes with your life in some way—your relationships are jeopardized, your health is threatened, your responsibilities are shirked. That can happen when you ingest a drug or alcohol (which is a drug, too) or when you behave compulsively. For example, your gambling or shopping or sexual behavior is out of control.

Most people engage in addictive behavior as a response to stress.

But in the end, addictive behavior can cause even more stress in your life. Here are signs to look for:

  1. You can’t stop. Maybe you talk yourself into thinking you can stop. Maybe you even do stop for a day or two. Or twenty. But you go back to nicotine, alcohol or drugs because you want to. Because one little puff couldn’t hurt anything. One drink will calm your nerves. And then, before you know it, the drug is ruling you.
  2. You curtail your activities. If you’re invited to an event, say, a conference, where you know there will be no alcohol, do you pass it up? Do you avoid meeting friends in a smoke-free restaurant because you don’t want to slink outside to have a cigarette? Do you change your life to accommodate your addiction?
  3. You make sure you have plenty. Even when the budget is tight, you make sure you have ample half-gallon bottles of gin in the cupboard. Or cartons of cigarettes. Or whatever your drug of choice. And if you don’t have the funds, you may do desperate things to get them.
  4. You take dangerous risks. You might even steal to get drugs. Or trade sex for drugs. Or get in a car when you can’t drive safely. Your normal good judgment is impaired and you say or do things you wouldn’t ordinarily do when sober.
  5. You continue even though you’re aware of health problems. You suffer from bronchitis and still you light up that cigarette. Or you have blackouts when you can’t remember chunks of time and still you drink to excess. Many addicts are masters of denial and refuse to acknowledge their problem even though their health suffers.
  6. Your relationships suffer. Alcohol and drugs can alter your moods—make you happy or turn you into a snarling beast. And since you’re high you might not even notice. But your significant other does. Or your children do. And they don’t like the altered you. Addiction can affect your relationships to the point of serious damage.

Next week we’ll talk more about addiction and how to cope.

Nancy Travers is an Orange County Counseling professional. If you need safe, effective counseling services, please get in touch. You can reach her here: https://nancyscounselingcorner.com/contact-us.

Save

Save

Save

 

If you found this post helpful, you might also enjoy exploring some of our other articles that dive deeper into the topics of relationships, communication, and emotional wellness. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your current connection, better understand co-dependency, or prepare for a healthy marriage, these related posts offer valuable insights and tools to support your journey. Take a look—you may find just what you need.

Related Posts

Rumination vs Reflection In Relationships

Ah, going even deeper — I love it.When it comes to relationships, the difference between rumination and reflection becomes even more personal and powerful. Here’s the breakdown: 💔 Rumination in Relationships (Emotional Looping) Result:→ Builds emotional walls.→ Increases insecurity, distance, and mistrust.→ Prevents healing or meaningful change. ❤️ Reflection in Relationships (Healing and Growing) Result:→ Builds emotional insight and compassion.→ Deepens connection and understanding.→ Leads to healthier behaviors and growth.

Read More »

Is She/He Right for You?

In the rush of a new relationship, you stay up all night talking. You can’t stop thinking about him. And every minute you’re away from him seems to drag in slow motion. You’re in the first stage of love, and your hormones are racing. You can’t think straight. Because you are human, there’s no getting around your physical reaction. You are designed to bond, and in so doing, your body

Read More »

Gaslighting vs Respect

That’s a really important contrast to look at — gaslighting vs. respect in relationships — because they sit on totally opposite ends of the emotional health spectrum. 🔥 Gaslighting (Disrespect in Disguise) Gaslighting is a form of emotional manipulation where one person makes the other doubt their reality, memory, or feelings. It often looks like: “That never happened; you’re just being dramatic.” “You’re too sensitive.” “You’re overreacting.” Twisting facts to

Read More »
RELATIONSHIP COUNSELING SERVICES

Find The Counseling Service That Is Right For You

At Nancy’s Counseling Corner, we’re here to support every stage of your relationship journey. Whether you’re navigating challenges in your marriage, preparing for lifelong commitment through premarital counseling, or working through the emotions of separation and divorce, our services are designed with care, compassion, and expertise. We specialize in Marriage Counseling, Relationship Counseling, Premarital Counseling, Divorce Counseling, Co-dependency Counseling—and so much more. No matter where you are, healing and growth are possible. Let’s take that next step—together.

Marriage & Couples Counseling

Marriage is a lifelong commitment that requires hard work, love, care, and understanding the needs of other people.

Relationship Counseling

Can help you find–and keep–the love of your life. Relationships are challenging and require an extensive amount of patience.

Divorce Counseling

Divorce Counseling is an emotional and strenuous thought for those seeking to solve marital problems.

Depression Counseling

Depression is a mental disorder characterized by at least 10-14 days of noticeable or recognizable low mood.

Co-dependency

“Codependency” is a term we hear thrown around a lot these days, though many of us aren’t sure exactly what it means.

Premarital Counseling

Offers Premarital Counseling to couples in the Orange County area that are considering to get married or are already engaged.

Anxiety Counseling

Offers Premarital Counseling to couples in the Orange County area that are considering to get married or are already engaged.

Meditation

Offers Premarital Counseling to couples in the Orange County area that are considering to get married or are already engaged.

Hypnosis

Offers Premarital Counseling to couples in the Orange County area that are considering to get married or are already engaged.