The symptoms and signs of addiction
Although different drugs may have different effects on overall physical and mental health, the basic signs of addiction are the same.
One of the first signs of dangerous drug or alcohol use is that obtaining and using the drug becomes the most important priority in the individual's life. Using the drug trumps work, friends and family.
Another sign is that the physical and emotional consequences of using make it difficult to function. The individual's judgment can often become dangerously impaired.
Some additional physical signs of addiction include:
- Restlessness, and an inability to sleep
- Abnormally slow movements, speech or reaction time
- Confusion and disorientation
- Cycles of excessive sleep
- Unexpected changes in clothing and/or wearing long sleeves to hide injection sites
- Suspected drug paraphernalia such as pipes, roach clips or syringes
Mental and emotional signs include:
- Cycles of being unusually talkative, up and energetic
- Increased irritability, agitation and anger
- Unusual calmness, unresponsiveness or looking "spaced out"
- Apathy and depression
- Paranoia and delusions
- Temporary psychosis and hallucinations
- Lowered threshold for violence
Addiction is a devastating disease, but there is hope. With the right care, people can, and do, recover.
By recognizing the signs and symptoms of drug abuse and addiction, you can help yourself, or your loved one, find the support and help needed to begin a new life.
Please call us today and begin the process of recovery for yourself, or your loved one.