I pulled some content from a paper called Symptoms of Addiction from Psychology Today. I have edited the bulleted points below to fit my direction. The complete article can be found in its entirety by following the link below. I want to thank Psychology Today for continuing to provide amazing content on a wide variety of wellness topics.
I think those new to recovery must pay attention to the spiraling signs accompany addiction. Below, I have pulled some of the concerns that should be looked at when we evaluate where we are in our recovery journey. Just because we have overcome a debilitating behavior or addictive habit does not mean we are ever fully free from relapse.
Staying healthy is best promoted by continuing to self-examine. We make adjustments and corrections along the way.
- The negative activity is practiced more often and to greater degrees than was intended.
- You know the behavior is injurious to you and inconsistent with the new life you have chosen.
- The pursuit of the activity consumes an increasing amount of time.
- There is a strong desire to engage in negative activity.
- The activity disrupts obligations at work, school, or home.
- The activity continues despite the social or interpersonal problems it causes.
- Participation in important social, work or recreational activities drops or stops.
- We increase risky behavior while engaged in activity.
- The behavior continues despite knowing it is causing or exacerbating physical or psychological problems.
- We engage in the behavior more and more until it overtakes the positive behavior.
If this continues unchecked the likelihood of relapse is inevitable.
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Robert Pardon
Robert is the Recovery Guy. Getting clean and sober on April 25, 1986 has given me the insight and practical skill set to not only stay sober, but to also re-invent myself to the person I always wanted to become. Showing others how to do this is my life goal.
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