It’s possible that you’ve heard the word “addictive personality” used to describe a variety of scenarios, most often in connection with drug usage. You or a member of your family may be battling with addiction, and if this is the case, you may find that you are unable to exercise control over your drug use or that you lack the willpower to say no to potentially hazardous substances or circumstances. Go now for all you need to know about the types of people that are addicted.
Table of Contents
What is the definition of addictive personality?
In its most basic form, it may be summed up as a collection of traits and actions that, when present in a person, point to the latter’s potential for developing an addiction. Addiction may refer to a dependency on substances like drugs and alcohol, but it can also refer to a dependency on activities like gambling, sex, video games or the internet, shopping, or abusive relationships. Researchers have shown a correlation between a variety of personality characteristics and concerns with mental health. Mental health problems are a prevalent and important component of addiction risk.
1. Inability to Stop
The inability to quit taking the drug is the symptom of a substance use disorder that occurs most often. It happens that some individuals claim they can quit whenever they choose, but in reality, they are unable to do so. A person may decide to give up their drug use and may even be successful in doing so for a period of time, but they may ultimately discover that they are unable to lead a life free of drug use. Some individuals wish to give up their substance use, but when they attempt to do so, they are met with tremendous cravings and withdrawal symptoms from their substance of choice.
2. They Persist in Using Despite the Harmful Effects It Has on Them
Another sign of addictive behaviour is when someone continues to take a drug, despite the fact that they are aware that doing so exposes them to significant risks and increases the likelihood of undesirable consequences. For instance, people may be aware that they are in a precarious financial situation, have issues in their relationships, and are experiencing health concerns; nonetheless, they are unable to abstain from using.
3. They are preoccupied with their use of various substances.
A person who suffers from a drug use problem is aware of the fact that they are responsible for other things, yet they are unable to direct their attention toward anything other than their substance use. The reason for this is because the brain has developed a dependence on the chemical, and as a result, it constantly searches for more of it. Because the person’s whole focus is on obtaining the drug for ongoing use, it may seem to the family that the individual no longer cares about them or their welfare.
4. Alterations in Behaviour
A person who regularly uses substances like drugs or alcohol is likely to demonstrate certain behavioural changes such as shifts in their personality and habits as a result of their usage. It’s possible that they no longer have interest in participating in things that they used to do with their family or friends. They may not interact with anybody at all anymore, or they could have found new pals since they started using. They have lost interest in the activities and pursuits that they used to take pleasure in.
5. A Rising Instance of the Use of Substances
A tolerance may be developed for a wide variety of drugs, including opioids, cocaine, and benzos. That implies that a person who uses them will eventually develop tolerance to them to the point where they will no longer experience the high that they are looking for. Because of this, it may become necessary to increase one’s dosage of those medications on a continuing basis. Because of this, there is a possibility that they may eventually use so much that they put themselves in danger of overdosing.
6. Having to Deal with the Pain of Withdrawal
A person who is physically and psychologically reliant on a drug may not be able to quit using that substance altogether if they experience withdrawal symptoms. It may become obvious when physical symptoms, such as aches and pains in the muscles and bones, headaches, trouble sleeping, and so on, set in. It’s the body’s way of trying to get the person to start using the drugs again. Further, the cravings are likely to be rather strong, making it impossible to avoid using.
