Changes in Mood
Changes in Mood as a Symptom of Addiction
Changes in mood are a symptom of addiction that affects the way you act towards the people around you, and even changes the way you go about your regular day to day activities. This condition can sometimes grow into a mood disorder if left untreated for a long period of time. It leads to anger, sadness, confusion, and even depression. In severe cases, cyclothymia, dysthymia or bipolar disorder can develop.
Taking drugs, alcohol, and other substances can lead to this condition. If you, or someone close to you, is suffering from substance abuse, addiction or withdrawal symptoms, changes in mood are expected to occur. This will affect how you behave around people, leading to isolation and uncontrollable behavioural patterns. According to surveys, more than one-third of people suffering from changes in mood have abused a substance before the condition manifested (or still do). So, take note of the changes in order to prevent any complications developing in the long run.
Signs of Mood Changes as a Symptom of Addiction
Being able to notice the signs that come with changes in mood enables you to determine the cause and allows you to find a solution to it. There are several signs to watch out for:
- Compulsive behaviour
- Emotional outbursts
- Chronic depression and anxiety
- A feeling of pessimism, hopelessness, sadness, or despair
- A feeling of extended moodiness or constant cycling between moods – from sadness to joy to anger
- Intense energy or being extremely persistent
- Stress and fatigue
When to Visit a Healthcare Specialist for Changes in Mood
It’s important to talk to a healthcare specialist, in order to get the proper treatment you need, before the condition leads to something much more life-threatening.
That being said, there are other factors that could lead to changes in mood, aside from substance abuse, addiction, or withdrawal. They range from a chemical imbalance in the brain, ovulation, pregnancy, poor self-care, a previous traumatising sexual experience, or even genetic causes. Most people who experience these problems or situations take several substances to “feel better”, but this only alters the body’s natural processes, and eventually leads to severe cases of mood disorder.
When you visit a healthcare specialist, you will be asked questions such as when you last felt happy for a significant period of time, how long you have been experiencing these mood swings, if you are on any medication and others along these lines. This is to enable your healthcare specialist to determine the main cause of the condition and potentially offer therapy to make you feel better.
It’s important to note that changes in mood could come with aggressive outbursts and compulsive behaviour. This might lead to being admitted to the hospital, as recommended by the health professional, so they can be at an arm’s reach 24/7 if you need help.
So, if you are using any type of substance, and you experience any of the signs listed above, do not hesitate to reach out to a health care specialist, who will know how to provide you with the adequate treatment and therapy to make you feel like your normal self again.
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