Signs of Drug Addiction
Are you concerned that you may be seeing signs of addiction in yourself or someone you care about? If so, there is help available to walk you through the process to determine if drug addiction is present and to manage the journey through rehab and recovery. Some of the signs of drug use are difficult to identify, especially in the beginning stages of abuse. Depending on the drug, addiction can begin almost immediately or it may occur after extended use.
Indications of Drug Use
Signs of addiction are manifest in physical and behavioral changes. While there are actions routinely seen in specific drug types, there are some general signs that a person is abusing drugs. You may see some or all of these signs in varying degrees as the addiction progresses. Mayo Clinic identifies common indicators as follows:
- Mood swings from irritability to happiness
- Obvious changes in everyday behavior
- Sleeping pattern disturbance
- Lack of care for personal grooming
- Losing interest and withdrawing from family, friends and activities
- Stealing money for purchasing drugs
What Are Indicators of an Addiction to Prescription Drugs?
If you are the patient for whom a prescription is written, you may feel the drug is safe and you are in no danger of addiction. If this is the case, you may not be alert to the signs of addiction that accompanies medications, such as opioid painkillers, stimulants, sedatives and tranquilizers. The most common signs of addiction to prescription drugs include:
- Increasing the dosage to maintain symptom control without contacting your doctor
- Finding another doctor to write the same prescription so you can have more on hand
- Making excuses, such as “losing” your prescription, to get a new prescription
- Looking for ways to obtain your medication, even if it is illegal
- Inability to stop the drug on your own
What Are Common Symptoms of Addiction to Illicit Drugs?
Each drug and drug type has specific effects on your mind, body and lifestyle. Some of the effects of popular drugs are as follows:
- Marijuana: As your body develops a dependence on marijuana, you may experience symptoms such as poor memory, delayed reaction time, paranoia, elevated heart rate and difficulty concentrating.
- Cocaine: This highly addictive drug produces an elevated sense of pleasurable effects through structures deep within the brain. Signs of addiction include paranoia, auditory hallucinations, irritability, restlessness, mood changes, increasing the frequency and amount of cocaine use, and using the drug in spite of the consequences to your health.
- Methamphetamine: The effects of meth use on the body include a decrease in appetite and an increase in physical activity; cardiovascular disturbances, such as a rapid and/or irregular heartbeat; and an elevated blood pressure. You may notice violent behavior and confusion. As the need for more meth intensifies, the method of intake may change.
Reach Out for Help
Any drug use can be harmful or even fatal. No sign or symptom is insignificant when it comes to saving a life – your life or that of someone you care about. If you have a suspicion or know for a fact that drug use is occurring, call today and let one of our staff help you find the most suitable treatment for recovery from addiction.