Recognizing the Signs of Addiction
Addiction is an affection that comes with a range of serious behaviors. Recognizing these symptoms can help your or others with addiction seek help earlier. Addictive disorders are problematic, which can lead to impairment. Of course, the symptoms may differ, depending on the addictive person. Someone who uses drugs finds it difficult to control their cravings.
For this reason, they continue to use the substance and engage in addictive behaviors, even though they’re aware of the harm they cause to themselves. Powerful cravings are hard to beat, yet the individual might want to quit. The causes are many, and the signs can vary from person to person.
Physical symptoms of addiction
Substance use disorders have physical, emotional, and behavioral effects that can significantly reduce people’s quality of life. Likewise, people can disconnect with others, which leads to psychological problems, including anxiety and depression. Sings of physical symptoms include:
- Dilated pupils
- Too energetic
- Red eyes
- Monotonous speech patterns
- Pale look
- Hungry or weak
- Extreme runny nose
- Excessive sniffing
- Weight loss
- Eating disorders
- Unusual smell due to lack of personal hygiene
- Clothes don’t fit them anymore
This can be very frustrating to family, friends, and loved ones who see these signs of addiction. It is helpful to take action and help the person who struggles with drugs or alcohol addiction. Search for dual diagnosis treatment centers in Los Angeles and ask for recommendations.
Emotional symptoms of addiction
Drug addiction includes feelings of shame, guilt, anxiety, and uselessness, and can worsen someone’s dependency. some emotional signs of addiction include:
- Incapability to cope with stress
- Defensiveness
- Acting silly
- Obnoxious
- Denial
- Confusion
- Loss of interest in activities
- Disconnect with friends and family
- Often offering excuses or justifications for their behaviors
- Not admitting the severity of their behavior
- Blaming others for their behavior and decisions
- Changing the subject and avoid talking about the problem
Some people suffered traumas in their childhood, or they might be undergoing trauma in the present. This explains the feelings of stress, anxiety, and drug abuse. Being the victim of an emotional, physical, or sexual abuse in childhood can make someone blame themselves for the rest of their lives. They feel guilty and ashamed because of what they experienced, which led them to abuse drugs or alcohol.
Behavioral Symptoms of addiction
When someone develops drug abuse, they can experience mood changes that cause them to bury their feelings. Almost 40% of people with addiction also suffer from at least one mental condition. Anxiety and depression disorders are common among drug abusers – behavioral signs of addiction include:
- Experiencing work or school issues
- Skipping school or work
- Financial issues
- Sleep disorders
- Missing important events
- Legal problems
- Relationship problems
- They like to talk about drugs and alcohol
- Acting secretive
- Isolating themselves
The damage done by drugs is incomparable. Those who use drugs can affect the lives of those around them, manipulating their feelings and emotions. Luckily, you can find hope in treatment. Therapy will get to the root of the problem, meaning that the underlying causes of addiction will be determined and treated. No one should go through this alone, so call your healthcare specialist today.
