Signs of Addiction

9 de marzo de 2023

3 min de lectura

Are you worried that someone you love has become addicted to drugs and alcohol? Are you concerned that you are addicted?Recognizing an addiction in someone you care about – or even in yourself – is harder than it may seem.

Also known as a substance use disorder, an addiction is something a person is compelled to do, even though they realize the harm it causes. More than 20 million people in the United States have a substance use disorder. Most people with an addiction do not receive the treatment they need.

Addiction is not just a behavioral problem in which someone can simply choose whether or not to use drugs or alcohol – it is a disease that causes changes to the brain. These brain changes alter the way the person thinks, feels, and behaves. Recognizing these changes is not always easy, but it is important. More than 96,000 Americans die from drug overdoses each year, and many of these deaths are the result of addiction.

Fortunately, addiction is a treatable condition, but treatment can only begin after an accurate diagnosis of addiction has been made.

Addiction Comes in Many Forms

While illicit drugs are the first thing that comes to mind when people think of substance abuse and addiction, someone can be addicted to nicotine and tobacco, alcohol, legal drugs and medications, and even inhalants, such as spray paints or oven cleaners.

People can even behavioral addictions, which are as serious as substance addictions and just as hard to recognize. Both behavioral and substance addictions can have negative consequences.

Types of behavioral addictions include:

Gambling
Sex
Shopping
Working
Video games
Using the internet

Signs of Addiction

Spotting signs of addiction is not always easy, especially if the person goes to great lengths to hide their substance abuse. Still it is important, as identifying an addiction is the first step to getting help for yourself or guiding someone else to seek rehabilitation.

Look for changes in personality and behavior

Addiction makes brain changes that ensure the person remains addicted. People with addictions tend to surround themselves with others who encourage their habits, for example, and try to explain away their behavior when confronted.

Other behavioral changes include:

Fading interest in hobbies and activities that was once important to them
Neglecting important relationships with family, friends, and at the workplace
Pushing away those closest to them
Ignoring important obligations, such as work or taking care of their family
Exhibiting risk-taking tendencies, especially when it involves getting drugs or engaging in drug-related behaviors
Ignoring the negative consequences their actions have had on their lives and the lives of others
Noticeable changes in sleeping habits, or chronic fatigue from those changes
Keeping secrets or lying about the amount of substance used or time spent using substances

Be aware of the following physiological changes

Addiction almost always leads to poor mental and physical health, as it requires the individual to repeat an unhealthy behavior to the point of taking a toll on their mind and body.

Physical signs of addiction can include:

Glazed or bloodshot eyes – drugs can cause dilation of blood vessels on the surface of eyes
Constantly being ill – abstaining from drugs or alcohol can cause withdrawal symptoms that mimic influenza and other illnesses
Unexplained injuries – drugs and alcohol can impair judgement, vision, and coordination, thereby increasing the risk of injuries
Sudden weight changes – drug or alcohol abuse often causes sudden weight loss, but they can lead to abrupt weight gain
Bad skin, teeth, hair and nails – drugs can cause inflammation, acne, pale skin, scarring and sores to cause skin problems; methamphetamines and other drugs can cause gum infections, tooth decay, and tooth loss
Increased tolerance to drugs – the body becomes tolerant to drugs and alcohol; watch for the ability to drink more or do more drugs
Physical withdrawal symptoms – drugs and alcohol can cause physical dependence, which means the individual experiences sweating, trembling, or vomiting when they stop using
Memory loss – doing drugs or drinking excessively can cause “blackouts” and other memory issues
Change in speech – such as rambling or slurred words

Note the mental signs of addiction

Mental signs of addition may include:

Sudden mood swings
Aggressive behavior
Irritability or apathy
Depression
Suicidal thoughts

For more information on the signs of addiction, consult with a doctor or mental health professional. The earlier you can identify and secure treatment, the sooner you or your loved one can return to a normal life.

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En esta página

Addiction Comes in Many Forms

Signs of Addiction

Look for changes in personality and behavior

Be aware of the following physiological changes

Note the mental signs of addiction

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