Drug Addiction

Drug and alcohol addiction generally starts off as recreational, when the person drinks and/or uses in a social setting encouraged by having a good time or escaping reality for a bit. Other options are if a prescription drug is overprescribed, or the person has a low tolerance and gets addicted easily. This disease of addiction is progressive, and as time passes, the user will begin to exhibit higher tolerances to the drug, often engage in dangerous behaviour, experiencing intense cravings, and then withdrawal symptoms to the drug of abuse.

Warning Signs

Knowing how to spot the drug addiction warning signs may help you spot a drug addiction in a loved one before it’s too late. Most of the drug addiction warning signs have more to do with behaviour than actual physical signs.

Here are some of the most common drug addiction warning signs to look out for:

• Guilty behaviour. The addict usually feels guilty about using and will find it difficult to look you in the eye.
• Personality changes. The addict might be very moody and act out of character.
• Changes in energy levels. There might be changes in the addict’s energy levels, depending on the drug, it could be higher or lower.
• Change in concentration levels.
• Three Cs of Addiction
  • Loss of Control over how much and how often
  • Craving and using all the time
  • Continued use causing harm and destroying relationships

Physical Signs of Addiction:

• Looking pale or anaemic
• Excessive weight loss
• A change in eating habits
• Exited /over-active or under-active (depending on which drug)
• Speech patterns are repetitive
• Red eyes dilated pupils
• Unnecessary sniffing and blowing nose all the time (not attributable to a cold)
• Lack of personal hygiene

Behavioural Signs of Addiction:

• Marital or relationship problems
• Problems with money
• Work/school issues
• Secretive about activities
• Not sleeping
• Legal problems
• Conversations dominated by drug/alcohol topics

Emotional Signs of Addiction:

• Rationalizing – excuses, justifications, or other explanations for their using
• Minimization – Admitting to the problem but not admitting to the full scope
• Placing the blame for their behaviour on someone else or some
• Argumentative
• Defensive
• Denial
• Diversion to avoid discussing the topic

If you are a loved one are struggling with any of the above, help is available at Houghton House Rehabilitation Centre.