Why is it that some people can use alcohol or drugs recreationally without difficulty while others become trapped in the downward spiral of addiction? This is a question that individuals, families, and professionals in the field of chemical dependence have been asking for a long time. One theory is that those who become dangerously dependent have an addictive personality that predisposes them to abuse substances and destroy their lives and relationships to chase the high and satisfy the cravings.
Characteristics of the Addictive Personality
In one sense, there is no such thing as the so-called addictive personality. In other words, not many people with substance abuse issues fall into the stereotype of the sneaky criminal psychopath. Although the idea of a single, generic personality possessed by all addicts is a myth, some common traits tend to put people at higher risk for severe substance abuse. They include:
Biologically related to those who are addicted
Risk-taking and impulsive behaviors
Have other mental health disorders
Disconnected and apathetic
Inability to moderate behaviors
For young people who exhibit these traits and may be starting to experiment with alcohol or other substances, early intervention therapies at a young adult treatment center can be highly effective in helping the adolescent, teen or young adult to manage and moderate their behaviors before full-blown addiction has developed. If the young person is already severely dependent on alcohol or drugs, substance abuse programs can provide an understanding of their addiction and its triggers as well as a place to forge and restore healthy relationships.
Symptoms of Addiction
The adolescent and teen years are a time of experimentation and trying on various roles and identities. These behaviors are normal, but they can make it challenging for parents and family members to recognize when the young person has crossed the line to serious addiction. Some signs to watch out for include the following:
Changes in behavior and activities
Forsaking old friends for new ones
Secretiveness above and beyond the normal desire for privacy
Lying, stealing, or disappearing for long stretches of time without explanation
Marked changes in sleep or appetite
Poor hygiene
Especially if you notice several of these traits, there is a good chance that the young person is using alcohol or illicit drugs. In that case, it is vital to get assistance from a professional as soon as possible.
How Zelus Recovery Can Help
Whether the young person seems to have an addictive personality or not, it is crucial that they and the entire family get help from the experts. That’s where Zelus Recovery, an addiction treatment center for adolescents and young adults in Meridian, Idaho, comes in. We limit the number of young people who enroll at our facility in order to give each person and their family the individualized attention needed to lift the burden of mental health disorders and substance abuse. Our mission is to specifically support and work with adolescents, teens and their families who are at a particularly pivotal and vulnerable place in their lives. Our services include:
If you or someone you love are feeling as if alcohol or other substances are taking over your life and ruining your relationships, let the compassionate staff at Zelus Recovery give you the tools you need to lift this burden. Whether you have a so-called addictive personality or not is unimportant. The key is to reach out, get the help you need and begin your recovery journey. Call us today at 208.518.0797.
Why is it that some people can use alcohol or drugs recreationally without difficulty while others become trapped in the downward spiral of addiction? This is a question that individuals, families, and professionals in the field of chemical dependence have been asking for a long time. One theory is that those who become dangerously dependent have an addictive personality that predisposes them to abuse substances and destroy their lives and relationships to chase the high and satisfy the cravings.
Characteristics of the Addictive Personality
In one sense, there is no such thing as the so-called addictive personality. In other words, not many people with substance abuse issues fall into the stereotype of the sneaky criminal psychopath. Although the idea of a single, generic personality possessed by all addicts is a myth, some common traits tend to put people at higher risk for severe substance abuse. They include:
Biologically related to those who are addicted
Risk-taking and impulsive behaviors
Have other mental health disorders
Disconnected and apathetic
Inability to moderate behaviors
For young people who exhibit these traits and may be starting to experiment with alcohol or other substances, early intervention therapies at a young adult treatment center can be highly effective in helping the adolescent, teen or young adult to manage and moderate their behaviors before full-blown addiction has developed. If the young person is already severely dependent on alcohol or drugs, substance abuse programs can provide an understanding of their addiction and its triggers as well as a place to forge and restore healthy relationships.
Symptoms of Addiction
The adolescent and teen years are a time of experimentation and trying on various roles and identities. These behaviors are normal, but they can make it challenging for parents and family members to recognize when the young person has crossed the line to serious addiction. Some signs to watch out for include the following:
Changes in behavior and activities
Forsaking old friends for new ones
Secretiveness above and beyond the normal desire for privacy
Lying, stealing, or disappearing for long stretches of time without explanation
Marked changes in sleep or appetite
Poor hygiene
Especially if you notice several of these traits, there is a good chance that the young person is using alcohol or illicit drugs. In that case, it is vital to get assistance from a professional as soon as possible.
How Zelus Recovery Can Help
Whether the young person seems to have an addictive personality or not, it is crucial that they and the entire family get help from the experts. That’s where Zelus Recovery, an addiction treatment center for adolescents and young adults in Meridian, Idaho, comes in. We limit the number of young people who enroll at our facility in order to give each person and their family the individualized attention needed to lift the burden of mental health disorders and substance abuse. Our mission is to specifically support and work with adolescents, teens and their families who are at a particularly pivotal and vulnerable place in their lives. Our services include:
If you or someone you love are feeling as if alcohol or other substances are taking over your life and ruining your relationships, let the compassionate staff at Zelus Recovery give you the tools you need to lift this burden. Whether you have a so-called addictive personality or not is unimportant. The key is to reach out, get the help you need and begin your recovery journey. Call us today at 208.518.0797.
Why is it that some people can use alcohol or drugs recreationally without difficulty while others become trapped in the downward spiral of addiction? This is a question that individuals, families, and professionals in the field of chemical dependence have been asking for a long time. One theory is that those who become dangerously dependent have an addictive personality that predisposes them to abuse substances and destroy their lives and relationships to chase the high and satisfy the cravings.
