Irritability and Addiction Explained
Experiencing irritability is a common human emotion, but for those grappling with addiction, it can evolve into a relentless challenge, adversely impacting their stress levels and harming cherished relationships.
What is Irritability / Irritable Mood?
In a broad sense, irritability in living organisms is a response to environmental changes. In humans, this often translates to feelings of frustration or anger triggered by various stimuli, which might not necessarily be negative. Irritability can be a transient state, brought on by factors like hunger, illness, or substance abuse, or a more enduring trait of one’s personality. It is characterised by heightened agitation or unusual aggression in response to environmental shifts or newfound circumstances, often coupled with negative emotional expressions and language during interpersonal interactions.
What causes irritability?
A variety of psychological and physical factors can trigger irritability. These include stress, anxiety, mental health conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, autism, and schizophrenia, along with fatigue, sleep deprivation, physical pain, illness symptoms such as those of flu, hunger, thirst, discomfort, hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles, menopause, pregnancy, and the effects of alcohol or drug abuse and withdrawal.
Irritability as an addiction symptom
While irritability can emerge following the use of certain substances like stimulants (e.g., cocaine), especially in those already prone to irritability, it is more frequently associated with the comedown or withdrawal phases.
What Are the types of irritability?
Individual experiences of irritability vary, reflecting the unique nature of each person. While there’s no formal classification for irritability types, it’s commonly divided into episodic and chronic categories. Episodic irritability involves sudden, short-lived instances of irritability, whereas chronic irritability describes a more persistent state, often perceived as part of an individual’s core temperament, distinguishing them as more irritable than most.
What are the symptoms of irritability?
Irritability, not a standalone disorder but a characteristic or symptom of other conditions, manifests in various ways. Those experiencing irritability, be it episodic or chronic, are often quick to anger, even with minimal provocation. Individuals may speak in a harsh or aggressive manner, engage in impulsive acts like slamming doors or breaking objects, and frequently argue over trivial matters. Their tolerance for disturbances or inconveniences, which most people bear with patience, is markedly low.
How is irritability diagnosed?
As a standalone symptom, irritability isn’t typically diagnosed. Instead, it’s viewed as indicative of a range of conditions, each with their distinct diagnostic criteria.
How is irritability treated?
Treatment of irritability involves addressing its root cause. In cases linked to substance abuse or withdrawal, a comprehensive addiction treatment programme might be necessary. Should the irritability prove harmful, particularly in terms of interpersonal relationships, therapy options such as anger management might be considered. In more severe cases, pharmaceutical interventions could be an option.
Ready to Get Help for Your Addiction?
Suffering from an addiction can lead to numerous negative outcomes, including a detrimental effect on your interactions with others. Irritability often plays a key role in this. If this resonates with you, it’s crucial to prevent any further strain on your relationships with loved ones and significant individuals in your life. Acknowledging your addiction is the first step towards seeking assistance.
Take control of your life – get started on the road to recovery
Currently, thousands across the country are receiving support for addiction. You could join them – the earlier you seek help, the less harm your addiction will inflict. Reach out to your GP and/or an addiction expert to discuss your circumstances and explore the available treatment options.
Your irritability and unstable mood might feel like just one aspect of your life that’s spiralled out of control due to your addiction. But remember, it’s possible to regain that control and set yourself back on the path to wellbeing by seeking professional assistance. Don’t delay in contacting your GP and/or an addiction specialist to embark on your journey to recovery.
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