Addiction to

Drug Addiction Recovery Resources


Symptoms Of Drug Addiction

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. Even though the symptoms of drug addiction can be masked by other problems in a person's life, there are plenty of signs and symptoms to look for to tell if you or someone you love has a drug addiction.

The most obvious sign of course is your loved-one's inability to resist taking the drug. People who are addicted to drugs feel they can't function in life without the help of their drug. They go to great lengths to obtain the drug and use it on a regular basis.

Addicts also 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.

Drug addiction tends to show up 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 behaving in ways they normally wouldn't do without the drug.

Physically, the ravages of drug addiction will inevitably show in the body over time. 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 truly 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.

The addicted person will inevitably 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 almost always 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. Addicted persons may feel constantly exhausted too, and not want to get out bed sleeping for long periods of time. This can be a combination of both the effects of the drug and an accompanying depression.

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!

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