Thinking Clearly As a Symptom of Addiction
Difficulty Thinking Clearly As a Symptom of Addiction
Having difficulty thinking clearly is a known symptom of drug and alcohol addiction. People experiencing concentration problems often have difficulty focusing on (or completing) a task at home, school or work. They cannot maintain attention on anything for too long and their thinking tends to be muddled.
This situation affects the person’s decision-making, work and social relationships, and potentially their finances. The sufferer may observe that they have difficulty maintaining focus under specific circumstances or during certain periods of the day. Other people might also remark that the person looks or acts distracted. Also, the sufferer may notice they routinely miss or forget appointments, as a result of a lack of focus.
Signs You May Experience Difficulty When Trying to Think Clearly
Problems thinking clearly affect people differently. Signs that you might be experiencing focus issues as a result of addiction include:
- Sudden, unexplained memory loss and difficulty remembering people or things
- Inability to remember things that occurred just a short while ago
- Loss of consciousness
- Decreased performance at work or school
- Restlessness
- Problems articulating your thoughts
- Frequently misplacing things or remembering where they are
- Difficulty making decisions
- Difficulty solving complicated tasks
- Difficulty sleeping
- Excessive or unexplained fatigue
- Loss of focus
- Lack of mental or physical motivation to focus
- Repeatedly making careless mistakes
If experienced when a dose is skipped, these are clear signs you are no longer at the stage of using or even abusing a substance but are addicted.
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What Causes Problems with Thinking Clearly?
Problems with concentration have been strongly linked to substance abuse or the advent of mental illness induced by drug addiction. In addition to alcoholism and drug addiction, insomnia, depression, hunger, anxiety and excessive stress are other known factors that cause problems related to thinking clearly. All of these conditions can be direct or indirect symptoms of addiction.
Even if a drug is supposedly mild or safe, incorrect administration or using medication not recommended by a qualified medical professional can also lead to psychological issues, such as loss of concentration or focus.
Seeking Professional Treatment for Problems with Thinking Clearly
When is the best time to seek professional help for concentration problems? You should book an appointment with your doctor or certified medical therapist if you start experiencing any of the symptoms listed above or notice them in a loved one.
If you (or your loved one’s) inability to think clearly is beginning to negatively affect your quality of life, as well as daily interactions and relationships, then it’s time to seek professional treatment for the condition and its underlying causes.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing concentration problems in any individual requires various clinical tests, as there could be other several causes besides drug addiction and alcoholism. A medical professional will thoroughly examine you; inquire about your history of drug and alcohol use; and will analyse the symptoms.
A medical therapist or professional will ask vital questions to determine when the condition was first noticed and if there are specific times, places and circumstances when it worsens.
Standard quality treatment includes an assessment: A health expert will also review the use of drugs and herbs, as well as medications and supplements to determine if (and to what extent) they affected the condition. Thereafter, appropriate and lasting treatment will be recommended.
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