Recognizing Drug Addiction

Drug addiction has many faces.  Recognizing the signs of drug addiction is the first part of getting on the road to recovery.  How do you know what to look for in trying to recognize drug addiction?  The signs can be pretty obvious when you are looking for them.

A person with a drug addiction generally acts in an erratic manner and does things they normally wouldn’t do.  Their moods can be quite unpredictable alternating between bouts of exhilaration or agitation and then exhaustion and lethargy.  They may have trouble sleeping or will “crash” and sleep for long periods of time.

Drug addiction is often accompanied by depression, so look for a loss of interest in activities they used to find enjoyable and an abrupt drop in weight.  They may hesitate to participate in gatherings or family events and begin distancing themselves from people they used to be close to.

Eyes that are bloodshot or that have a dazed or expressionless look can be a sign of drug use and addiction.  They may appear to be daydreaming and may have to be spoken to several times before they answer you.

Drug addiction can also have some outward physical signs such as excessive sweating, flushed skin, or an unexplained rash.  Inflamed nostrils or an excessively runny nose can indicate an addiction to an opiate such as cocaine.  People who use methamphetamine – or meth – will have a sudden and dramatic loss of weight.  They may lose their teeth and will most likely have open sores on their bodies.

Recognizing drug addiction in yourself is a much harder process.  Because most people don’t want to admit that they have a problem, it’s much more difficult to come to terms with an addiction problem.

You may find that you have an intense, uncontrollable craving for a drug and feel like you can’t function without it.  You always make sure that you have an ample supply of your drug of choice and become frantic when your supply starts running low.  You might find yourself doing things you wouldn’t normally do when using the drug such as stealing or being promiscuous.

Your drug addiction begins to take hold of your life and you see it spinning out of control with no way to stop.  You try to stop using the drug but repeatedly fail causing you to use even more to combat the feelings of hopelessness.

Recognizing drug addiction is important in so many ways.  When addiction is present in your or someone you love’s life, it can affect your relationship sometimes so badly it can never be recovered.  That’s why it’s essential that the healing start once you begin to recognize how the addiction has taken hold.  Once you see the signs, you can get help and become drug free!