Key Signs of Chemical Dependency and Addictive Behavior

Americans face many challenges on any given day. One of the challenges that many Americans and their families face is chemical dependency and addiction. The 2023 United States National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) indicated that around 48.5 million Americans aged twelve and older battled a substance use disorder in the past year.

That same survey also indicated that about 10% of Americans twelve and older had an alcohol use disorder in the past year, and 20.4 million American adults suffered from co-occurring disorders of both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder in the past year. Many lives are affected by issues of addiction and chemical dependency. This makes it vitally important to recognize the signs and seek treatment immediately.

What is chemical dependency?

Chemical dependency describes the state that a person is in when they’ve consumed a legal or illegal drug or medicine, and it alters their brain chemistry, to a point that their body and brain can no longer function normally in the absence of that drug or substance. Withdrawing the drug or substance will result in reactions that can be mild to life-threatening.

A person can be chemically dependent on substances as varied as caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, sedatives, or prescription medications. One may be chemically dependent on a substance, but not necessarily an addict, but many addicted persons are also chemically dependent. Addiction is when a person cannot control their use of certain substances, even when there are significant negative consequences of that consumption.

The American Psychological Association’s diagnostic manual uses the term “substance use disorder” to inclusively describe how the use of substances can cause dependence even when they haven’t been abused through addictive behavior. That way, people who need help but may not identify as addicts can still get the help they need.

Key Signs of Chemical Dependency

There is a wide variety of substances that can lead to chemical dependence, and some of these include prescription medications. These substances include opioids such as painkillers, or heroin; stimulants like cocaine, methamphetamine, or ADHD medications; sedatives such as benzodiazepines, or sleep aids; nicotine; alcohol; marijuana; and antidepressants as well as prescription anxiety medications.

Some of the signs of chemical dependency to look out for include the following:

Greater tolerance

You may find the same dose losing efficacy over time and need larger doses to achieve the same effect.

Withdrawal

You may experience physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms when you reduce or stop using the substance. These symptoms include feeling anxious and irritable; having vivid dreams or struggling to fall asleep; having stomach issues like nausea, diarrhea and vomiting; sweating profusely, having tremors or seizures.

A person who is chemically dependent and addicted to a particular substance may exhibit these symptoms:

Loss of control

One may use more of the substance than intended or for longer than planned. They may also struggle with cutting down on consumption. Loss of control may also include continuing use of the substance even though there are negative consequences attached such as relationship issues, financial and legal problems, or physical and mental health issues.

Neglecting responsibilities

Addiction often leads to a primary focus on obtaining, using, or recovering from the use of the substance. One’s thoughts become preoccupied with that, and it can lead to neglect of responsibilities such as school, work, or relationship responsibilities. Apart from responsibilities, social and recreational activities as well as other interests may also get neglected.

Other signs that are worth keeping an eye out for include being secretive and hiding your use of the substance or drugs from others. Also, feeling ashamed or guilty about your use, using the substance as a coping mechanism for your stress or emotions, or experiencing memory loss and blackouts as a result of using the substance or drug, could point to chemical dependency and addiction.

Treatment Options in Stone Oak, Texas

Being chemically dependent on something and addicted to it aren’t exactly the same thing. This means that treatment could look different, though there is an underlying issue that seems similar. Chemical dependence can be addressed by following a detox protocol outlined by the prescribing doctor. This could look like tapering off until you no longer need to use the substance. This will reduce the impact of withdrawal symptoms.

When it comes to addiction, often one’s reward pathways are altered by consuming the drug or substance, which changes the types of interventions required. Some of the treatment options available include undergoing a medical detox and being treated in a facility that provides care and helps with developing healthy coping mechanisms.

If you or a loved one identify with the signs of chemical dependency and addiction, and if the people around you have expressed concerns about your well-being, you should reach out and seek help. Counseling for addiction is available at Stone Oak Christian Counseling in Texas. Your counselor in Stone Oak can be part of your treatment team, helping you develop emotional, mental, and spiritual tools to help you cope with the effects of chemical dependency and addiction.