Some Common Drug Addiction Symptoms And Signs

Here, you will learn about some of the common drug addiction symptoms and signs.

Possibly the top symptoms, other than spiraling out of control, are feelings of isolation, helplessness and shame. Addiction is a problem shared by one in eight Americans, with significant problems involving drugs and alcohol. Of these, about 40% have been diagnosed with dual disorders.

When we think that approximately 27 million people in the US use illicit drugs on a regular basis or drink heavily, and that, of these, 16 million are in need of treatment at this very moment; or that by age eighteen about 12% of young people use it, it makes one wonder if there is still hope. Yet there is. And learning about your addiction – why it has the hold that it does, how it happens and / or what it looks like from inside your head – will help.

Those with addiction problems continually feel overwhelmed in their need to use – uncontrollably, actually. This is true even in the face of all the negatives happening around them as a result. Their behavior is self destructive and continues to be so even though they try to remain in control. It is part of the symptoms of drug use whether they acknowledge it or not.

Though various drugs (whether heroin, nicotine or Xanax) and alcohol affect people differently physically – including controlling behaviors and executing good motor skills, they all cause lasting changes to the way the brain now views the world around them.

Among physical drug addiction symptoms such as lack of motivation, excessive need for sleep, pain in areas of the body like the back, shoulders and legs, substance abusers ultimately neglect their responsibilities at school, home or in the work place and take dangerous chances to get their supply of drugs.

Many abusers suffer with drug addiction symptoms such as bloodshot eyes, either weight gain or loss, cease to care about appearances and experience tremors or slurred speech. There is also an increase in such occurrences as fighting, illegal activities and being prone to accidents. They can be hyperactive one minute and lethargic the next. They are anxious, paranoid and fearful without reason.

Aside from all of this, long term drug and alcohol use leads to other symptoms, such as built up tolerance, meaning larger amounts of the substance will be needed as time goes on, and they gladly do this to avoid the symptoms of withdrawal, which are restlessness, insomnia, anxiety, depression and a sense of powerlessness to stop. Before you know it, your life revolves around your use of drugs – this is one of the clearest drug addiction symptoms.

In long term use, you come to a place where you forget the things you once enjoyed, like sports, hobbies and any type of socializing. And there is always danger of such occurrences as depression, paranoia, infection, blackouts and vast degrees in mood swings. What you are left with – even if you get some sort of control, are anxiety, loneliness and low self esteem. You can feel isolated while surrounded by people and, because of your jaded thinking processes, you end up with few friends and a family that does not trust you.

If you or a loved one are suffering from some of the abovementioned drug addiction symptoms and signs, it is time to seek help.