Being able to identify the signs of alcoholism and drug addiction can usually be done via a few different ways. Typically it always starts with a gut feeling that there is a problem, but to be sure you want something more in the way of hard proof. It also depends on which side of the fence you're looking at the problem. Are you wanting to know the signs of addiction for your own benefit because you're worried about your own alcohol or drug intake? You may instead be anxious about someone else - whether it be a family member or friend. Even though there are no hard and fast signs - I'll try and give you some ideas as to what to look out for - and if you then want more detailed guidelines and information, please visit my website. You may begin to notice physical signs of an addiction to alcohol or drugs in the form of liver problems, which can show up as fatigue and various other things. High Blood pressure is also often a sign - but unless you go to see a Doctor, these are obviously more difficult to be sure of. Signs of alcoholism and drug addiction that you are possibly likely to pick up on sooner - are for example making promises (even if it's just to yourself) that you're going to cut down or stop, which are obviously not kept; needing more and more to get the feeling you want; and withdrawals that become worse and worse. For me the key indicator of a real problem is when your using or drinking starts to impact your sense of self, and when day to day things that have been fine before become effected - like work, school, relationships etc. Another good way to test for addiction is to use psychometric type addiction and alcoholism tests - which are mostly very accurate in identifying a genuine addiction problem. I don't unfortunately have enough space to put them here - but feel free to visit my website to try one. Ultimately when it comes to recognizing the signs of addiction - it's not about following a prescribed formula. Trust your instincts, be sure to familiarize yourself with all the symptoms, try one of the addiction tests - and in doing so you should then have pretty good idea as to whether these is indeed a genuine problem.
When I train managers as coaches I always warn them to respect the power of coaching questions and to recognize the possibility that what starts as an innocuous, business related conversation, may lead to the unveiling of a deeper issue. Coaching managers would be advised to develop at least a little insight into the signs of abnormal psychology. Consider for example, alcoholism and drug addiction.
To begin with, a few definitions:
Addiction
Repeated consumption of a substance on which the user has become physically or psychologically dependent.
Physical Dependence
A state in which the body has adjusted to the substance.
Tolerance
A process of adjustment where the body needs increasing doses to achieve the same effect.
Withdrawal
The unpleasant side effects when use of a substance is discontinued.
Psychological Dependence
A compulsion to use a substance for its pleasant effect.
Griffiths (1995) suggested that there are six elements within addictive behaviour:
Salience
How important the behaviour becomes.
Euphoria
The rush or high produced by the behaviour.
Tolerance
How much is required to produce the desired effect?
Withdrawal
What happens when the addictive behaviour stops?
Conflict
The conflict which can be felt internally or amongst an addict's social group
Relapse
The propensity to resume the addictive behaviour.
Let's now consider some of the factors surrounding alcohol abuse:
Who?
Generally speaking anyone, Although it typically occurs during middle age, within the higher social classes.
Why?
There are many reasons for alcohol abuse. There are social factors such as celebration or 'drowning your sorrows', psychological factors and also particular genetic predispositions.
We can explore these same areas as they apply to drug addiction:
Who?
Again the tendency is for drug abuse to start in adolescence. Sadly this can often begin with a perfectly valid prescription from a doctor for tranquillizers or barbiturates.
Why?
This seems to be a combination of availability and social learning.
It is interesting to note that of all the conditions within 'abnormal psychology' it is often alcohol and drug abuse which receive the most sympathy. Our media is awash with concern for the Robert Downeys and Amy Winehouses yet screams for the life long incarceration of all schizophrenics at the same time. Yet which of these two groups of sufferers is more responsible for their conditions?
What then of the coaching manager who uncovers these signs when coaching around workload management or time keeping? The sensible option would appear to be sticking to solid coaching principles. Ask questions designed to raise awareness, generate responsibility and build trust then listen carefully and attentively to the responses. This is highly unlikely to make things worse and may actually do quite a lot of good.
Thereafter, we can refer the coachee to appropriate professional help. This is why I think all coaching managers should familiarize themselves with the welfare procedure used in their organisations.
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Carl-peter has sinced written about articles on various topics from Fitness, self improvement and motivation and Alcohol Treatment. If you would like a better knowledge of the Alcoholism and and would then like to try an addiction r. Carl-peter's top article generates over 9900 views. to your Favourites.
Matt Somers has sinced written about articles on various topics from Power of Coaching, Career Change and Depression Cure. Matt Somers runs his own consultancy specializing in turning managers into coaches. He consults in the UK, Europe and beyond, and runs a number of workshops and seminars throughout the year. He has published three books on coaching and promotes a range of. Matt Somers's top article generates over 8100 views. to your Favourites.