J. D. Vance outlines an experience many can understand in his best-selling memoir, Hillbilly Elegy. J. D. grew up with a mother who had an addiction. In many ways, J. D.’s story is remarkable—he was an average student at a failing school who went on to graduate from Yale Law School. In other ways, J. D.’s story is normal and representative of the harm addiction can cause to individuals and their families. J. D.’s mother experienced the typical risk factor for many who have an addiction: a volatile childhood with physical and emotional abuse. As is typical with addiction, the disease does not just affect one person. It will take people’s families without intervention, and eventually, for his own safety, J. D. had to live with his grandmother (his mamaw). Addiction is destructive, terrible disease. Addiction takes and takes and takes. The more addiction grows within a person, the more they feel isolated and alone, and the more they are separated from the interventions that could help them. Addiction is a serious illness, but it is one that has treatments. Many people have reached out for help, found healing, and broken free from addiction to live their own life.
“I got sober. I stopped killing myself with alcohol. I began to think: ‘Wait a minute –
if I can stop doing this, what are the possibilities?’
And slowly it dawned on me that it was maybe worth the risk.”
― Craig Ferguson
Addiction is a very personal disease. How it develops and the forms it takes can vary from individual to individual. It can strike young or old, men or women, rich or poor. Addiction may look like substance abuse: cocaine, prescription drugs, alcohol, marijuana, and more. Addiction may look like a compulsive behavior: shopping, video games, sex, Internet, and more. Whatever form it takes… whomever it attacks… the disease fundamentally functions in the same way: addiction changes the way that people’s brains function. Like many other serious illnesses, without intervention, it can cause severe harm, even death. Like many other serious illnesses, there are treatments available. Many people are like Craig Ferguson. They have reclaimed their lives and are living their dreams.
The counselors and therapists at Thriveworks Indianapolis have helped many people fight their addiction and have connected them to the resources they needed. Some need community resources, some need therapy, some need medication—many need all three. Battling an addiction is not easy, but it is worth every effort.
Red Flags for Addiction
Addiction is an illness that attacks how people’s brains function. While this aspect of the disease is not visible to the naked eye, it is very real. Addiction is most easily seen in its signs and its effects. Its effects can rob people of their health, finances, relationships, and even life. As addiction forms, there are many emotional, behavioral, and physical signs. When people see these signs, it is important to seek help. Early intervention may lead to more effective treatment and less severe effects.
Emotional Signs of Addiction
- Loss of interest in people/activities that were once valued.
- Irritability.
- Defensiveness.
- An inability to handle stress or challenges in life.
- Lacking awareness about one’s behavior: diversions, denial, blame, minimizations, rationalizations.
- Being silly, obnoxious, or easily confused.
Behavioral Signs of Addiction
- Hiding and keeping secrets.
- Regularly missing school or work or personal engagements.
- Work or school challenges—low grades, poor review, or being fired.
- Lying to hide one’s behavior (especially to loved ones).
- Disconnecting from relationships and activities—isolating oneself.
- Relational problems—fighting, tension, strain, worry, and more.
- Financial difficulties (especially needing money).
Physical Signs of Addiction
- Being undernourished or pale.
- Red eyes, dilated pupils.
- Weight loss.
- Being hyperactive or lethargic (depending upon the drug).
- Excessive sniffing while not ill.
- Repetitive speech.
- Body odor that is different or unpleasant.
These signs of addiction give a glimpse of the destruction that addiction can wreak within an individual’s life and within the lives of their loved ones. Addiction often results in what therapists call addiction’s three C’s: cravings, control, and consequences. Addiction takes over control in a person’s life, using cravings that must be satisfied despite the negative consequences that will occur. Fighting addiction requires rewiring the brain so that the cravings can no longer bypass an individual’s natural self-control mechanisms.
“What is addiction, really? It is a sign, a signal, a symptom of distress.
It is a language that tells us about a plight that must be understood.”
– Alice Miller
Addiction Counseling at Thriveworks Indianapolis: Scheduling an Appointment
Approximately 21 million Americans are fighting an addiction, and they do not have to fight alone. There are many 12-step groups who are filled with people who are ready to support your recovery. There are many therapists who can help you find the support groups, counseling options, and/or medications that may be right for you. Thriveworks Indianapolis has support many addicts on their journey toward health, and we have appointments available.
When you contact our office, here are some things that may be helpful to know. A real person answers our phones and helps our clients make appointments. New clients often meet with their therapists within 24 hours of their first call to our office. We offer weekend and evening sessions because we know not everyone can make an appointment during business hours. We also accept many different insurance plans and work with many different insurance companies. Call Thriveworks Indianapolis today for an appointment.
Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Infidelity, Men’s Issues, +11 more 
