Signs Of Addiction

By: Anyachukwu Adaeze Oluwabukola



INTRODUCTION

All addictions, whether to substances or behaviors, involve physical or psychological processes.

Each person’s experience of addiction is slightly different, but there are generally some common symptoms to watch out for, including behavior changes like lying, extreme changes in mood, and changing social groups, as well as physical symptoms like weight changes, sleep, and energy levels.

This article discusses some of the signs and symptoms of addiction. It also explores some of the different types of addiction.


Behavioral Signs

Behavioral signs involve a person’s outward relations with the world whereas physical signs relate to the body’s manifestation of side effects due to the presence of drugs in the system. Behavioral signs include but are not limited to:


1. Obsessive Thoughts And Actions:

Acquiring and using the drug becomes the main priority of life while all or most other obligations including work, family, or school are sidelined.


2. Disregard Of Harm Caused:

Although the drug abuse is causing physical and mental distress to the individual and their loved ones, the person struggling with addiction continues using drugs or alcohol.


3. Loss Of Control:

Even in the face of wanting to stop or reduce their drug use, the person cannot do so.


4. Denial Of Addiction Or Hiding Drug Use:

When confronted, the person battling addiction will deny or downplay their drug use. To avoid having to explain themselves to others, the person may do drugs in secret.

Drug abuse cannot remain hidden for long. Its impact is too dramatic, and the person using drugs can spiral out of control fast. Changes in behavior, neglecting responsibilities, exhausting financial resources, and engaging in criminal conduct are some of the most obvious signals of a drug problem. Family members loved ones, and coworkers are usually in the best position to recognize a drug problem as they are familiar with the person’s behavior and habits.


Physical Signs

Physical signs of addiction can manifest as side effects of use, during an overdose, or as a result of withdrawal. It may be very difficult for someone to pinpoint the cause of the physical signs, but severe effects will require immediate medical treatment. Also, it is important to understand that withdrawal symptoms arise when the body adjusts to the absence of familiar quantities of a drug. It is a natural process, but withdrawal can be dangerous.


General physical signs of addiction include but are not limited to:

• Enlarged or small pupils
• Sudden weight loss or gain
• Bloodshot eyes
• Insomnia
• Unusual body odors
• Poor physical coordination
• Looking unkempt
• Slurred speech


Typical signs of an overdose may include but are not limited to:

• Drowsiness or trouble walking
• Agitation
• Aggression or violent behavior
• Difficulty breathing
• Nausea and vomiting
• Hallucinations
• Delusions
• Loss of consciousness


According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, withdrawal symptoms may include but are not limited to:

• Shakiness, trembling, and jumpiness
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Depression
• Insomnia and fatigue
• Headaches and fever
• Confusion and hallucinations
• Seizures


Drug abuse also impacts the person’s psychological state. When they’re in the grip of the addiction, the person might not realize or recognize these changes. The psychological signs of drug addiction may include but are not limited to:

• Anxiousness
• Inattentiveness
• Lack of motivation
• Irritability or angry outbursts
• Changes in personality or attitude
• Emotional and mental withdrawal from people
• Sudden mood swings
• Unexplained paranoia

Family members and loved ones are often key players in getting someone into rehab. Although there may be hindrances to lending help, such as denying the existence of the problem as a coping mechanism, witnessing the signs and symptoms of drug abuse will often motivate a concerned person to action. Also, when a person knows the particular drug of abuse, they can deepen their understanding of that drug and learn additional ways to help their loved one.

For more information on specific substance addiction, contact us.