Nicotine Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatment

A woman sits at a table with her hand on her face, as she deals with nicotine addiction symptoms

Updated November 15, 2023

Authored By:

Joe Gilmore

Edited By

Amy Leifeste

Medically Reviewed By

Javier Rodriguez-Winter

Authored By:

Joe Gilmore

Edited By

Amy Leifeste

Medically Reviewed By

Javier Rodriguez-Winter

A woman sits at a table with her hand on her face, as she deals with nicotine addiction symptoms

Table of Contents

FAQs

When a person becomes addicted to something, they often exhibit distinct patterns that serve as warning signs to their loved ones, known as “addict behavior”. An addict’s behaviors can evoke feelings of fear, frustration, sadness, and helplessness. Acknowledging the reality of a loved one’s addiction is challenging, but understanding the facts can empower you to make informed decisions and take appropriate actions. 

This concise guide aims to separate fact from fantasy regarding addict behavior and the symptoms of addiction.

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Common Behaviors of an Addict

Addict behavior patterns are commonly observed across various substance addictions, serving as warning signs for loved ones. These are some of the most common behavioral signs of addiction:

  • Shifting the blame: Addicts tend to avoid taking responsibility for their actions and often place the blame on others. They refuse to acknowledge their own role in the problems they face.
  • Abusiveness: Addiction can lead to both physical and verbal abuse. The distorted thinking of an addict can make them perceive threats that don’t actually exist, resulting in aggression towards their loved ones.
  • Manipulation: Addicts may manipulate their loved ones through tactics like guilt or denial in order to maintain their addiction. They can be convincing, and their manipulation can persist over long periods without significant change.
  • Lying: Addicts often resort to lying to cover up their actions, such as the whereabouts of their money or the extent of their substance use. This deceptive behavior is an early sign that there may be a problem.

 These addiction behaviors are not indicative of someone being an inherently bad person, but rather a consequence of the addiction itself. Rehabilitation and support can help addicts regain control of their lives.

an image of someone demonstrating addictive behavior

Addiction and Relationships – Destructive Behaviors

Addiction symptoms can have an adverse impact on relationships, leading to destructive behaviors that strain connections and create immense emotional turmoil. Here are some common destructive behaviors that often accompany addiction: 

  • Betrayal and deception: Addicts frequently engage in deceitful behaviors to maintain their addiction. They may lie about their substance use, hide their activities, or manipulate loved ones to enable their behavior. This betrayal of trust can erode the foundation of any relationship.
  • Codependency: Codependency often develops in relationships where addiction is present. Codependent partners or family members enable the addict’s behavior, prioritize their needs above their own, and may even become emotionally dependent on the addict. This dynamic perpetuates the addiction cycle and prevents both parties from seeking healthy solutions.
  • Emotional and verbal abuse: Addiction can lead to emotional and verbal abuse within relationships. The addict may lash out, become irritable, or exhibit unpredictable mood swings due to the influence of substances. Loved ones may endure verbal insults, manipulation, or constant blame, causing significant emotional distress.
  • Neglect and disengagement: Addicts may neglect their responsibilities and relationships as their focus shifts entirely to obtaining and using the substance. They may withdraw emotionally, become disengaged from family activities, and prioritize their addiction over their loved ones’ well-being. This neglect can lead to feelings of abandonment and resentment.
  • Financial strain: Addiction is frequently accompanied by financial difficulties. Addicts may spend substantial amounts of money on obtaining drugs or alcohol, leading to financial instability and creating stress within the relationship. This strain can manifest as arguments, resentment, or even financial ruin.
  • Physical violence: In some cases, addiction can escalate to physical violence within relationships. The impaired judgment and altered behavior caused by substances can result in aggressive outbursts, endangering the safety and well-being of loved ones.

Remember that typical addict behavior is a result of the addiction and not a reflection of the person’s true character. That said, addictive behaviors can cause significant harm to relationships and individuals involved. Seeking professional help, such as couples therapy or support groups for family members, can help you to navigate these destructive patterns and work towards healing and recovery.

Treatment for Addict Behavior

Here are some essential approaches to consider when dealing with addict behaviors:

  • Intervention: An intervention is a structured conversation where loved ones confront the addict about their behavior and encourage them to seek help. Professional interventionists can guide this process and facilitate the transition to treatment.
  • Detoxification: For many addicts, the first step towards recovery is detoxification, a process during which toxins are safely and gradually eliminated from the body. Medical supervision can help manage withdrawal symptoms and ensure a safe detox process.
  • Inpatient/residential treatment: Inpatient or residential treatment programs provide a structured and supportive environment for addicts to focus on their recovery. These programs offer therapy, counseling, group sessions, and holistic approaches to address the underlying causes of addiction.
  • Outpatient treatment: Outpatient treatment allows individuals to receive treatment while living at home. It provides flexibility and allows individuals to maintain their daily responsibilities while attending therapy sessions, support groups, and receiving counseling.
  • MAT (medication-assisted treatment): MAT combines medications with behavioral therapy to address substance addiction. Medications can help reduce cravings, manage withdrawal symptoms, and stabilize brain chemistry, while therapy addresses the psychological and behavioral aspects of addiction.
  • Individual and group therapy: Therapy is a cornerstone of addiction treatment. Individual therapy helps addicts explore underlying issues, develop coping strategies, and build resilience. Group therapy offers peer support and the opportunity to learn from others facing similar challenges.
  • Aftercare and support: Recovery is an ongoing process, and aftercare is essential for maintaining sobriety. After completing a treatment program, individuals may benefit from ongoing counseling, support groups, and alumni programs to help prevent relapse and provide continued support.

 Everyone has a unique recovery journey, and treatment approaches should be tailored to their specific needs. Seeking professional guidance from addiction specialists or treatment centers can provide valuable insights and support throughout the recovery process.

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Get Treatment for Addiction and Mental Health at California Detox

If you or a loved one are struggling with physical dependence or addiction to prescription medications, alcohol, or illicit drugs, California Detox in Laguna Beach offers a range of drug addiction treatment programs to help. Our goal is to provide a smooth and effective pathway to recovery through our supervised medical detox program, which can be followed by inpatient rehab in California.

 During our medical detox program, you’ll have access to medications that can ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings, making the detox process more manageable. Once detox is complete, you can seamlessly transition into our inpatient program, which provides comprehensive residential rehab services.

 At California Detox, we believe in personalized treatment plans that address the unique needs of each individual. Our programs combine evidence-based interventions with holistic therapies for a holistic approach to addiction recovery. Some of the therapies and treatments we offer include: 

 If you’re ready to take the first step toward recovery, please call our admissions team at 888-995-4208 for immediate assistance. We’re here to help you or your loved one embark on a journey of healing and recovery.

FAQs

Three characteristics of addictive behavior are compulsive engagement in the behavior despite negative consequences, diminished control over the behavior, and continued engagement despite a desire to stop or cut back.
Addiction behavior can vary depending on the substance or behavior involved, but common behaviors include obsessive thinking about the substance or behavior, prioritizing it over other responsibilities and activities, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop or cut back.

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