Article by:
Amelia Grant
While habits and addictions may appear to be similar, they differ significantly in terms of control, impact, and the role they play in our lives. Addictions typically begin as habits before progressing to dangerous behaviors. Habits are more behavioral-based, while addictions control your behavior. Habits might be difficult to break, but they can usually be stopped without treatment. Addictions typically require treatment and lifestyle changes to manage. Understanding the difference between a habit and an addiction is crucial for recognizing when a behavior has crossed the line and requires intervention. Here are seven signs of addiction:
1. Increased tolerance
A clear indicator that a habit is developing into an addiction is an increased tolerance. It means that over time, you need more of the substance or habit to get the same effect. For example, one drink used to produce a buzz, but now it requires three or four. This tolerance indicates your body and mind have adjusted to the behavior in an unhealthy manner. This heightened tolerance can result in more frequent usage and greater dependence, establishing a harmful cycle that can be challenging to break. An increase in tolerance often signifies the onset of a more serious issue that demands attention and treatment.
2. Impact on daily life
Daily functioning is typically not affected by habits, whereas addictions usually start to have a negative impact on various aspects of everyday life. This can involve neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home, as the addictive behavior becomes more important than other essential activities. Relationships may also be affected, as family members and friends feel disregarded or annoyed by the constant focus on the addiction. The effect on daily life is a significant indication that a habit has turned into a harmful addiction, highlighting the necessity for intervention from an addiction psychiatrist.
3. Physical dependence
While habits typically don’t lead to physical dependence, addictions frequently result in withdrawal symptoms or the inability to feel normal without them. This means that the substance or behavior is necessary for normal functioning. The body becomes used to operating with the substance, and without it, individuals may experience a variety of symptoms like headaches, nausea, irritability, or even more severe physical reactions. Quitting can be extremely challenging due to physical dependence, often necessitating medical assistance or a structured detoxification program to safely manage withdrawal symptoms and help break the cycle of addiction.
4, Consequences don’t matter
When someone becomes addicted, they persist in the behavior despite it causing significant problems in their life. Whether it's harming their health, relationships, or career prospects, individuals struggling with addiction often ignore these consequences in order to satisfy their cravings. Unlike addictions, unhealthy habits may result in minor consequences, but you can carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages and make changes. When the consequences become insignificant and do not discourage you from the activity, it’s a clear sign that seeking professional help may be necessary to regain control.
5. Loss of control
A key sign that a habit is transforming into an addiction is the inability to regulate the frequency or extent of engagement in the behavior. With a habit, you remain in control over your actions and can decide to stop the behavior if needed, but with an addiction, you may find yourself indulging in it more often, even when you intend to stop. This inability to control your actions often leads to feelings of frustration, helplessness, and a sense that the behavior is dominating your life. When loss of control arises, it’s a clear sign that professional assistance may be necessary to restore stability and break the cycle of addiction.
6. Secrecy
Addictions are frequently concealed from others because of guilt or shame. Often, you might resort to lying to conceal the extent of your addiction. Unhealthy habits, while problematic, are typically not concealed or a cause of intense shame. You generally remain transparent about the behavior of those close to you. Secrecy is a typical sign that a habit has progressed into an addiction.
7. Time spent
Addictions consume an increasingly large amount of your time and mental energy. You might find yourself spending several hours each day engaged in the behavior, constantly preoccupied with thoughts of it, or planning your next opportunity to engage in it. As the addiction progresses, more and more of your time is dedicated to it, often at the expense of other important responsibilities or activities. Hobbies, social interactions, and work commitments may begin to take a back seat. If you observe that a significant part of your day revolves around a specific behavior, it could be a sign that it has developed into an addiction.
