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!
Cocaine Addiction
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Server
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Nicotine Addiction
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Alcohol Addiction
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