What Are the Signs of Addiction?
This blog outlines the key signs of addiction, the emotional and physical toll it takes, and the role of a Mental Health First Responder (MHFR) in providing immediate support. It emphasises the importance of empathy, active listening and encouraging professional treatment.
Addiction is a serious condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It goes beyond the misuse of substances like alcohol or drugs; it is a complex condition that affects the brain, leading individuals to compulsively seek out and engage in harmful behaviours. Understanding the signs of addiction, why some people are more prone to it, and how Mental Health First Responders can offer support is essential for effective intervention. In this blog, we will explore these aspects, along with some key statistics and strategies for recognizing and addressing addiction.
Addiction can manifest in many ways, depending on the substance or behaviour involved. However, there are some common signs to look out for when identifying addiction:
Physical Symptoms:
• Withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance (e.g., shaking, sweating, nausea).
• Increased tolerance, requiring more of the substance to achieve the same effect.
• Neglecting personal hygiene and health as the addiction worsens.
Behavioural Changes:
• Sudden shifts in mood or personality.
• Engaging in risky behaviour to obtain or use the substance.
• Withdrawal from social activities, friends or family to hide the addiction.
• Lying or being secretive about activities related to the addiction.
Psychological Signs:
• Obsession with obtaining or using the substance, even when it causes harm.
• Feelings of guilt or shame after using the substance.
• Inability to stop using the substance, even if the person wants to quit.
These signs may develop gradually, making it difficult for individuals or their loved ones to recognise that they are dealing with an addiction. Early detection is key to preventing further harm.
Statistics on Addiction
• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 3 million people die each year from alcohol abuse, representing 5.3% of all deaths.
• In the UK, 1 in 11 adults aged 16-59 have taken an illicit drug in the past year, according to the NHS Digital 2020 Survey.
• In the U.S., the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that 21 million Americans suffer from at least one addiction, but only 10% receive treatment.
Why Are Some People More Prone to Addiction?
Addiction is influenced by a variety of factors and some individuals may be more prone to it than others due to the following:
Genetics: Some individuals have a genetic predisposition to addiction. Studies have shown that people with a family history of addiction are more likely to develop an addiction themselves.
Environmental Factors: A person’s environment, including exposure to stress, trauma or peer pressure, can play a significant role in the development of addiction. Growing up in a household where substance use is normalised increases the likelihood of developing an addiction.
Mental Health Issues: People with underlying mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are more likely to turn to substances to cope with their emotions. Unfortunately, using drugs or alcohol as a form of self-medication can quickly spiral into addiction.
Early Exposure: Adolescents or young adults who experiment with alcohol or drugs are at higher risk of developing an addiction later in life. Early exposure can alter brain development, making it more susceptible to addictive behaviours.
Why Alcohol or Drugs?
Alcohol and drugs are commonly abused because they offer temporary relief from emotional pain, stress, or mental health challenges. However, this relief is short-lived, and over time, substances change the brain’s chemistry, making it harder for individuals to function without them.
Alcohol: It is easily accessible, socially acceptable, and often used to relax or escape. The casual use of alcohol can evolve into addiction when individuals start using it to cope with emotions or stress. Read more about first aid for alcohol poisoning in this blog.
Drugs: Some drugs, particularly opioids, release large amounts of dopamine in the brain, creating feelings of intense pleasure. However, over time, the brain requires more of the drug to achieve the same effect, leading to dependency. Opioids include heroin, morphine, methadone or Depressants such as benzos (diazepam), tramadol, temazepam or gabapentin. Read more about opioid overdoses and how you can help in this blog.
How Does an Addicted Casualty Feel?
Someone struggling with addiction may feel trapped in a cycle they cannot escape. Addiction affects the brain’s reward system, making it difficult for the individual to feel joy or pleasure from anything other than the substance. Here’s how they might feel:
Guilt and Shame: Many people struggling with addiction feel deep guilt and shame about their behaviour, particularly when they are aware of the harm it causes to themselves and others.
Isolation: They may withdraw from family and friends to hide their addiction, which often leads to loneliness and a feeling of being misunderstood or abandoned.
Loss of Control: One of the defining features of addiction is the loss of control. The person knows they are harming themselves, but they feel powerless to stop. This can lead to frustration and despair.
Anxiety and Fear: Many individuals with addiction live in constant fear of being judged, rejected, or caught. This anxiety often fuels their need to use more of the substance to escape these feelings.
What Do You SEE as a Mental Health First Responder?
As a mental health first responder, recognising the signs of addiction can be crucial in providing timely support. Here’s what you might observe:
Changes in Appearance and Behaviour: The person may look dishevelled, tired, or unwell. They may start showing up late or missing work, school, or social commitments.
Mood Swings: They might exhibit sudden mood changes, going from irritable or aggressive to withdrawn and lethargic.
Withdrawal from Social Circles: You may notice the person withdrawing from friends, family, or activities they used to enjoy.
Secretive Behaviour: They may become more secretive or defensive when asked about their activities or whereabouts.
What Do You DO as a Mental Health First Responder?
As a mental health first responder, your role is not to diagnose addiction but to offer support and guidance. Here are the steps you should take:
Approach the Person Gently: Choose a calm, private moment to express your concerns. Avoid accusatory language and instead focus on what you’ve observed: “I’ve noticed you’ve been more withdrawn lately. Is everything okay?”
Listen Without Judgment: Allow the person to talk about what they’re going through without interrupting or offering immediate solutions. Show empathy and understanding.
Encourage Professional Help: Addiction requires professional treatment, whether through counselling, rehab, or support groups. Encourage the person to seek help from a healthcare professional who specialises in addiction.
Offer Resources: Provide information about local addiction services, helplines or support groups. Offering practical support yourself, such as helping them make an appointment or taking them to the venue can all make a big difference to them making that first step.
Follow Up: Check in with the person after your initial conversation. Showing continued support can help them feel less alone and more willing to seek help.
Want to learn more about Mental Health First Aid?
The First Aid Training Co-operative runs a suite of private first aid courses that can be delivered at your choice of venue, at a time and date to suit you. We’ll come to you and tailor your course to suit your specific situation, based on one of the core course types that we have in our portfolio. We now have a range of courses available for those looking to become Mental Health First Responders in the workplace, raise awareness of mental health amongst their staff plus specialist mental health training for outdoor professionals. Check out our mental health first aid course suite.
