The mind is the central victim of substance abuse and addiction. It can condition our minds in unconventional ways and leave long-term effects on our behavior and personality.
But how can we identify the impact of addiction on the mind? Is a sobriety test enough to determine how deeply a drug has affected the personality? Are there other psychological factors that present signs of addiction?
Read on to learn more about drug addict personalities and how to get professional treatment against substance use.
Personality Traits of a Drug Addict
Let us look at some personality traits commonly associated with drug addicts.
Remember that every individual has a unique personality with distinctive characteristics, and having the traits mentioned here doesn’t definitively qualify someone as a drug addict. In fact, sometimes, these characteristics could help professionals decide if someone is likely to fall into addiction should they indulge in substance use.
Regardless, we are looking at some common behavioral patterns shown by drug addicts, not the patterns shown only by drug addicts:
Impulsiveness
The most well-known attribute of substance users, impulsiveness, is the temptation and ability to do something without discretion. Reflecting on and second-guessing actions before execution is a basic human trait. However, certain drugs can influence our minds to execute an action without considering its consequences and potential impact.
Stressfulness
High levels of stress are normal for an average person today. The growing problems and the weight of life’s hardships are inescapable. While some people cope with their stress better than others, others turn to substance abuse to reduce the emotional burdens of their worries and burnout. The reliance on drugs for emotional relief can easily pave the road to addiction.
Low Self-Esteem
Low self-esteem can come from thinking you are not good enough, don’t deserve happiness, or other self-deprecative beliefs. People with such feelings can turn to drug use, thinking it’ll help them feel more confident and active. If someone doesn’t value their body and mind, they won’t be cautious about the harmful effects of drugs and substances.
Impatience
Abusing drugs can hinder your perception of time as the cravings progress. This leads to a lack of patience where you expect everything around you to move at a hyper speed.
Antisocial
Human beings are social creatures. Even antisocial individuals yearn for human interaction but can’t always obtain it successfully. Many mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, cause people to distance themselves from society. As an alternative, many people turn to substance abuse to compensate for their social needs.
What Can You Do About Drug Addict Personalities?
As specified, the aforementioned personality traits do not necessarily mean that someone is going through substance addiction, but they could indicate potential vulnerability. In any case, if you find yourself or a loved one showing similar signs, immediately seek medical support and therapy.
Psychiatrists and therapists are experts that specialize in understanding the human mind. Sharing your stories and problems with a qualified mental health professional can help you analyze your condition better to figure out what you are going through and how to take your mindset in a positive, progressive and healthy direction.
Conclusion
Drug addiction can be dangerous, and the patient often uses control over their cravings, emotions, and in some cases, basic senses. Thus, it is essential to cope with psychological obstacles in a healthy way before it is too late. Remember, only you can help yourself by taking the first step.
Sign up for our addiction recovery programs and lead a healthy lifestyle. Our professional advice and recommendations have helped countless suffering addicts return to society, and we are ready to change your life next.
