Addiction can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or background. Recognizing the signs of addiction early can significantly improve the chances of successful intervention and treatment. However, many people are unsure of what to look for, especially in teens and young adults when mood swings are common and the need for independence can cause conflict. Fortunately, there are some signs of substance use that you can watch for.
Let’s explore in more detail how addiction manifests in various physical, psychological and behavioral ways.
1. Increased Tolerance
Over time, individuals may need larger amounts of the substance to achieve the same effect. This is known as tolerance. Drug tolerance is a phenomenon that happens when the body becomes accustomed to a substance over time, leading to a reduction in its effectiveness. As a result, the person may take higher doses or use the substance more frequently to achieve the same effects. It’s important to know that tolerance can develop with all types of medications, including prescription medications.
2. Withdrawal Symptoms
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when a person quits or cuts back is another sign of addiction. Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe and vary depending on the substance use, the duration of use and the person’s overall health. Common withdrawal symptoms include shaking, sweating, muscle aches, trouble sleeping, agitation, irritability, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
3. Cravings
Another sign of addiction is a persistent and overwhelming desire to use the substance, often leading to obsessive thinking about the next opportunity. Drug cravings are a hallmark of addiction as they demonstrate the complex interplay between the brain’s chemistry, psychological factors and environmental cues. Something as simple as hearing a certain song or seeing a specific person can be enough to cause a craving.
4. Loss of Control
People with addiction often have trouble controlling the amount and frequency of substance use, often using more than intended. There are a number of reasons for this, including changes in brain chemistry, tolerance and dependence, impaired decision making and other factors. Also, having friends and family who use substances can also make it easier to lose control as it’s embedded in the environment.
5. Neglecting Responsibilities
A telltale sign of substance use is neglecting work, school or family responsibilities. It takes time to find, consume and recover from substance use, which is part of the reason why people neglect their responsibilities. But drugs and alcohol also have a way of taking over, making it difficult for people to think about anything else. Even though they may not mean to hurt others, they are compelled to continue using substances and will do so at all costs.
6. Risky Behavior
Engaging in risky behaviors while under the influence, such as driving or having unsafe sex, can also be a sign of substance use. Addiction profoundly affects a person’s behavior, brain and decision-making capabilities, often leading to unsafe or risky behaviors. Unfortunately, these behaviors don’t just affect the individual using substances but others as well.
7. Social Isolation
People who use substances often withdraw from family, friends and social activities that were once important. They do this because their substance use is taking up a lot of their time, their friend circle is likely changing and the drugs or alcohol are taking center stage. Addiction has a way of taking over, leaving little to no time for healthy relationships. Not to mention, maintaining meaningful connections becomes difficult when drugs or alcohol are involved. Sometimes, family members feel that their loved one becomes “a shell” of a person.
8. Financial Problems
People who use drugs or alcohol often spend significant amounts of money on the substance, leading to financial difficulties or borrowing money frequently. You may notice that your loved one is having trouble affording their expenses or is frequently out of money. This can lead them down a slippery slope where they steal from others to afford their habit.
9. Physical Health Issues
Frequent substance use can lead to a range of health problems, including unexplained weight loss or gain, frequent illnesses or poor hygiene. As the substance use continues, other physical problems can happen depending on the substance being used. For instance, people who use meth may experience “meth mouth,” which refers to severe dental decay. People who misuse alcohol may suffer from cirrhosis of the liver.
10. Changes in Appearance
Noticeable changes in appearance, such as looking disheveled, pale or having bloodshot eyes can also indicate substance use. Certain substances cause specific physical changes, such as meth that can lead to dental decay and skin lesions. Others simply wear away at the body and cause a person to no longer care about their daily appearance.
11. Behavioral Changes
Sudden and unexplained changes in behavior, mood swings and increased irritability or aggression often occur with substance use. Drugs and alcohol directly impact the brain, leading to behavioral changes. Not to mention, people who are using substances often engage in secretive behavior in an attempt to hide their drug or alcohol use.
12. Memory and Concentration Problems
As drugs or alcohol take their toll on the brain, people often have trouble concentrating, remembering information or making decisions. This can affect their daily functioning, fracturing relationships and causing them to lose their jobs. When this happens, it often sends them even further into addiction as they attempt to cope with drugs or alcohol.
Wrapping Up
Recognizing the signs of addiction is the first step toward seeking help and support. If you or someone you know exhibits several of these signs, it may indicate a substance use disorder that requires professional intervention. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes and support recovery. To learn more about getting yourself or someone else help, contact Recovery Cove at 484-549-COVE. We are here for you!
