Drug Addiction Signs

Addiction is an unhealthy obsession with a certain activity or substance. Drug abuse and alcoholism are common forms of addiction and the signs of addiction sometimes are at times not evident and sometimes can be more obvious than other times. But possessing signs of addiction does not always mean that there is a drug addiction present, but you may want to be more aware if someone is suspected of using. If a friend or family member is suspected be supportive and assist the individual on the road to recovery.

Addictions manifest in a wide variety of people from all walks of life. It is not exactly clear how drug addictions develop, but they can be initiated by a number of factors, including social pressure, personality, and availability. Addiction can also cause one’s physical well-being to deteriorate over a period of time.

Drug addiction signs and symptoms:

• Change in appetite such as an increase or decrease; changes in eating habits, unexplained weight loss or gain.

• Smell on breath, body or clothes of substances.

• Extreme hyperactivity; excessive talkativeness.

• Needle marks or bruises on lower arm, legs or bottom of feet.

• Change in overall attitude/personality with no other identifiable cause.

• Changes in friends: new hangouts, avoidance of old crowd.

• New friends are drug users.

• Change in activities; loss of interest in things that were important before.

• Drop in school or work performance.

• Skips or is late to school or work.

• Changes in habits at home; loss of interest in family and family activities.

• Difficulty in paying attention

• Forgetfulness.

• The “I Don’t Care” attitude; Lack of motivation, energy, self-esteem, discipline.

• Defensiveness, temper tantrums, resentful behavior (every thing’s a hassle).

• Unexplained moodiness.

• Unexplained irritability.

• Unexplained nervousness.

• Violent temper or bizarre behavior.

• Unexplained silliness or giddiness.

• Paranoia -- suspiciousness.

• Excessive need for privacy; keeps door locked or closed, won't let people in.

• Secretive or suspicious behavior.

• Car accidents and fender benders.

• Household accidents.

• Chronic dishonesty.

• Trouble with police.

• Unexplained need for money.

• Can't explain where money goes.

• Stealing.

• Unusual effort to cover arms and legs.

• Change in grooming habits.

• Possession of drug paraphernalia.

Remember: Denial is dangerous for everyone. Addiction takes over the lives of addicts, endangering their own health, safety and happiness, as well as that of others. Denial lets everyone pretend there is not problem. The longer denial goes on,the longer the addict will be caught in the addiction cycle and the longer it will take for an addict to change his or her behavior.

Ignoring loved one's drug problem will not make the problem go away. But if you suspect someone is addicted to drugs, you must proceed extremely carefully. Don't spy or make emotional accusations, which are sure ways to make the person rebellious and defensive. Instead, tell the person that drugs can damage his health and his future. Explain that you want to protect him from the danger of drugs just as you would want to protect him from any other threat. Stage a well thought out and planned intervention, have drug rehabilitation treatment options set up once the addict agree to a treatment program.

More Addiction Information .