Types of addictive disorders
When we think of addiction – alcohol and other drugs immediately come to mind. Substance abuse isn’t the only form of an addiction disorder:
- Alcohol
- Tobacco/cigarettes
- Marijuana
- Sleeping tablets
- Gambling
- Food and eating/sugar/soft drinks
- Opioids
- Other prescription painkillers and medications
- Nitrous, other dissociative anaesthetics and hallucinogens
- Internet/Mobile phone/social media/Video gaming
- Amphetamines, Cocaine
Terminologies which are synonymous with addictions include the following:
- Substance Use Disorders
- Drug/Alcohol Dependence
- Drug/Alcohol Abuse
- Gambling Disorder/Pathological Gambling
At Currumbin Clinic, we don’t discriminate; we allow people to choose their own ways to identify themselves and how their condition was derived. How people with addictions identify themselves can vary considerably, for example:
- Terms such as “I am an addict”, “I am an Alcoholic” and “I am a Gambler” and “using” are sometimes used in certain contexts; some people identify strongly with these terms, and occasionally people are offended by them.
- More modern phraseology can include “I am in recovery”, “I have an alcohol problem”, “I can’t stop taking painkillers”, “I self-medicate”, “I gamble to escape”, “I have mental health and addiction problems”, or “I have chronic pain so need to treat it”.
Signs and symptoms
The signs of addiction vary from person to person, however there are some key signs and symptoms that mean you may have a substance use disorder:
Physical
- Extreme hyperactivity or lethargy
- Changes or deterioration in hygiene and/or physical appearance
- Sudden weight loss or weight gain
- Tremors, sweating or impaired coordination
- Slurred/incoherent speech or repetitive speech patterns
- Bloodshot eyes/dilated pupils
- Excessive sniffing and runny nose
- Nausea and vomiting
Psychological
- Irritability
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Fear or paranoia
- Anger outbursts
- Sudden mood swings
- Inattentiveness
- Social withdrawal
- Changes in persona
- Euphoria
Behavioural
- Increased risk taking and participation in dangerous activities
- Neglecting usual responsibilities
- Reduced participation/missing important engagements
- Prolonged or regular time off work/school
- Secretive or isolating behaviour/activities
- Unusual sleeping patterns
- Financial problems (i.e. always asking for money)
- Relationship/marital problems
- Complaints from coworkers/teachers
- Criminal activity
