Uncover the Shocking Warning Signs of Addiction Your Doctor Wants You to Know Now

Addiction—ever notice how everyone’s “addicted” these days? Whether it’s scrolling endlessly on their phone, binge-watching that latest Netflix obsession, or even devouring an embarrassing amount of cheese… we all chuckle, but here’s the kicker—it’s way more dangerous and widespread than those casual quips suggest. Take, for instance, a 27-year-old woman whose ketamine addiction led to serious health calamities, including incontinence. That’s not just a cringe-worthy story; it’s a wake-up call. Denial often sneaks in as the first act in this heartbreaking play, which makes understanding addiction—and spotting the warning signs—absolutely critical. Dr. Sarah Wakeman, who knows a thing or two about substance use disorder from her high-level work at Massachusetts General Brigham Hospital, dropped some serious knowledge on The Diary of a CEO podcast. She breaks down addiction’s core through the “Four Cs”—a framework that might just make you rethink what “addiction” really means. Ready to dive deep and get schooled on something that affects more lives than we care to admit? LEARN MORE

Addiction is something which is dangerous no matter the subject and it’s far more common than you might think.

While we probably all know someone who says they’re addicted to their phone or binge-watching TV or cheese, all of which can still be very bad for you, there are plenty of people out there who suffer serious health issues as a result of an addiction, such as the 27-year-old woman who was left incontinent due to a ketamine addiction.

They say that denial is one of the first stages of addiction so it’s important to be educated about what it truly means, and what some of the warning signs are.

Dr. Sarah Wakeman is a senior medical director for substance use disorder at Massachusetts General Brigham Hospital, and she recently appeared on The Diary of a CEO podcast with host Steven Bartlett.

She explained how addiction, such as that seen in alcoholics, can be identified through the four Cs.

Dr Wakeman revealed the Four Cs (Diary of a CEO podcast/YouTube)

What is addiction?

Sometimes simply looking up a definition is the best way to explain a term, as while people can get addicted to many different things, it is perhaps best defined as a neuropsychological disorder characterised by a persistent and intense urge to use a drug or engage in a behaviour that produces natural reward, despite substantial harm and other negative consequences.

Alcohol, is of course, a drug which works to make people almost instantly feel better and more confident, but can have some serious repercussions on your body, no matter if it’s just a regular pint at the pub, or a desperate need to drink every day of the week.

What are the ‘Four Cs’?

Loss of control

Dr Wakeman suggests that loss of control is one of the first warning signs of an addiction. If you try to change, cut back or stop and you find that you can’t, then this signifies a loss of control over your own body.

While sometimes it’s important to listen to our bodies and what it needs, it also shouldn’t be allowed to control us or tell us that we need that alcoholic drink or other drug.

Addiction comes in many forms (Getty Stock)

Compulsive use

The next C according to Dr Wakeman is when we start to use the thing we are addicted to in a non-rational way, which also signifies a further loss of control.

When applied to alcohol, this would probably mean drinking before work or in the morning, when it isn’t suitable to, but we compulsively have the need to do it.

Consequence

Consequence refers to continued use despite the negative consequences that the user might be experiencing. In the case of alcohol, this would likely be side effects that we suffer, which only seem to get worse with age.

These ramifications can also have an impact on your relationship, your job and your life.

Craving

The final warning sign is having a strong psychological urge to use, for example ‘not being able to get a drink out of your mind.’

We all have different ways of beating our cravings, such as one woman who gave up alcohol for good, but if we are constantly submitting to those cravings, then it might be an addiction.

Dr Wakeman goes on to identify these four Cs, among other criteria, as to how experts can summarise the type of addiction a person is suffering from, whether it be mild, a use disorder, moderate or severe.

Please drink responsibly. If you want to discuss any issues relating to alcohol in confidence, contact Drinkline on 0300 123 1110, 9am–8pm weekdays and 11am–4pm weekends for advice and support.