Addiction hijacks the brain’s reward system, creating a cycle of cravings and compulsive behavior. It changes how your brain processes pleasure and often leads to you using it despite knowing that it’s harmful. Over time, it makes it harder to stop, as the brain becomes dependent on the substance to function and feel “normal.”1
So, what is active addiction? Here, we will answer that question and give you resources if you or your loved one are struggling with active addiction right now.
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What is Active Addiction?
Active addiction is when substance use takes control of your life, affecting your physical, mental, and emotional health.
It starts with only occasional use, usually because of stress or in social situations, but gets worse as your brain starts to need the substance to feel pleasure or avoid pain and discomfort.
And over time, your substance use may become compulsive, interfering with your daily life, relationships, and responsibilities.
Active addiction is when you can’t stop even though you know it’s harming you.
When Does an Addiction Become "Active?"
Addiction becomes “active” when your substance use goes from occasional or experimental to compulsive and out of control.
This happens when your brain’s reward system gets hijacked, and the substance feels necessary to be happy or to cope with stress. 2
It happens after using the substance over and over, so it rewires your brain, and you start to crave and become dependent.
The moment substance abuse becomes active is when you keep using despite the negative consequences, and you put the substance above your responsibilities, relationships, and well-being.
Signs of Active Addiction
Recognizing the signs of active addiction early is key to getting help and starting treatment before it gets worse.
Early intervention can prevent further harm and support recovery.
Physical Signs:
- Sudden weight loss or gain
- Bloodshot eyes or dilated pupils
- Unusual fatigue or energy spikes
- Poor hygiene or appearance changes
Behavioral Signs:
- Neglecting responsibilities 3
- Increased secrecy or isolation
- Mood swings or irritability
- Borrowing money frequently
Quick Tip: Look Out For the Signs
Pay attention to out-of-character changes in your or your loved one’s behavior and mood. Recognizing the signs of active addiction early can make a huge difference!
How to Help Someone in Active Addiction
Addiction doesn’t just affect the person using it—it affects everyone around them, including their family and friends.
Watching someone you love struggle can be very heartbreaking, but your support is key to their recovery.
Focus on open communication without judgment. Encourage them to get help, such as through therapy or rehab.
Educate yourself on addiction and its effects so you can better understand what they’re going through. Setting boundaries while being empathetic is important for both of you.
Treatment Available For Active Addiction
Treatment for active addiction includes therapy, medication, and support programs individualized to each person.
Options like Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, group therapy, and medically supervised detox address the underlying causes of addiction and recovery.
Cornerstone provides a full spectrum of substance abuse treatment programs, including residential, outpatient, and virtual options, ensuring comprehensive care tailored to your needs.
These programs are designed to meet each person’s specific needs and provide personalized support to help you get back in control and rebuild your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the three types of addiction?
Addiction comes in many shapes and sizes, but substance addiction often gets the most attention, typically because it’s a physical dependency. However, not all addictions are tied to substances. Behavioral addictions and impulse control disorders are just as real and can be equally life-altering, even though they don’t always get the same recognition.
What is active addiction? Is it the same as SUD?
SUD, or Substance Use Disorder, is the most common type of addiction, characterized by a dependency on drugs or alcohol that disrupts daily life. All SUDs are addictions, but active addiction is the phase where substance use is ongoing and uncontrollable, highlighting the behavioral aspect of the disorder.
What’s the difference between active addiction and occasional substance use?
Occasional substance use is infrequent or controlled use, often in social or recreational settings. Active addiction is when you lose control, and your substance use becomes compulsive and interferes with your daily life, health, and relationships. It’s a deeper dependency on the substance and often requires professional help to address it.
Key Takeaways
- Key Takeaways
- Active addiction is when compulsive behaviors take over your life, health, relationships, and responsibilities.
- Knowing when addiction becomes “active” helps you know when you need to get help.
- Early detection of signs – physical and behavioral – is key to getting effective treatment.
- Recovery is a collaborative process; support from loved ones is essential, and various tailored treatments are available, including those offered by Cornerstone, to address individual needs.
Find Recovery Today at Cornerstone
Recovery from active addiction can be very hard, but it’s never too late to reach out for help. Recognizing the signs and taking the steps toward treatment can change your life.
Cornerstone Healing Center provides a full spectrum of substance abuse treatment programs, including residential, outpatient, and virtual options, ensuring comprehensive care tailored to your needs. As a top-rated treatment center in Arizona, we offer specialized programs designed to support your unique recovery journey. Get the help you deserve today.
