Symptoms of Drug Addiction

The symptoms of drug addiction can often be masked by other problems in a person’s life.  Drug use becomes an addiction when a person has a compulsive need to use drugs without care or regard for the consequences that might arise either physically or emotionally.  There are plenty of signs and symptoms to look for to tell if you or someone you love has a drug addiction.

Probably first on the list would be the inability to resist taking the drug.  People who are addicted to drugs can’t imagine functioning in life without the help of their drug of choice.  They go to great lengths to obtain the drug and use it on a regular basis often over-indulging at times.

Addicts begin to lose interest in things that they used to like to do.  Their whole life is dictated by when and where they can “get a fix”.  They put aside hobbies, families, even work and school.  Nothing else is as important as using their drug of choice.

A drug addiction can be shown in a person’s mood.  Are they often either really “up” or really “down”?  Mood swings are common with drug addiction as are angry outbursts and irrational behavior.  People with a drug addiction will find themselves doing things they normally wouldn’t do without the drug.

Physically, the ravages of drug addiction will show in the body.  They may experience a sudden weight loss and appear gaunt or pale to others.  They neglect to groom themselves such as not showering on a regular basis or taking the time to comb their hair.  They may have physical sores on their body and their eyes may appear dull and listless with a faraway look most of the time.

By the time addiction has taken hold of a person, the body has become used to having the drug in its system.  It builds up a tolerance thus the addict will need to take more of the drug in order to achieve the same effect it had before.

They may start engaging in secretive or suspicious behavior such as retreating during gatherings or making frequent, unnecessary trips just to be alone.  They can also become emotionally distant from those they were previously close to.  This alienation makes it easier for them to use drugs without judgment from those around them.

Depression often accompanies drug addiction, so look for signs of hopelessness, negative talk, and withdrawing from all activity.  Sudden changes in work or school performance can also be a sign of addiction.  They may feel exhausted and not want to get out bed sleeping for long periods of time.

Drug addiction is a serious disease, so if you see these symptoms in yourself or someone you love, seek treatment.  The healing has to begin somewhere, and when the symptoms arise, the time to get help is now!