Drug addiction is a disease that affects both your mind and body. It is characterized by specific behaviors that you may exhibit as a result of long-term use. Signs of drug addiction often appear within a month and continue until you seek treatment. How do you know if you are addicted? If you can’t stop using a substance, no matter how many times you’ve tried.
Addiction involves more than just using illicit drugs or prescription medication. It is about whether you can control your impulses or overcome your dependency on a substance. You may believe that you can control it. However, as time wears on, the addiction becomes stronger than our will power. To learn more about the substance abuse treatment options available, contact Women’s Recovery today at 833.754.0554.
What Are the Signs of Drug Addiction?
It is essential to distinguish between addiction and abuse. While instances of drug abuse are never good, they do not necessarily signify that a person has an addiction. Addiction occurs when someone establishes a pattern of substance abuse that they can’t seem to stop.
These signs of addiction can help you determine if someone has a problem and needs help from a drug addiction treatment center.
Physical Symptoms
One of the clearest indications that someone has a drug addiction is the physical symptoms they exhibit. As their health starts to decline, they may begin to look ill. Common symptoms include:
- Glazed or bloodshot eyes
- Constricted or dilated pupils
- Fluctuation in weight
- Poor hygiene
- Skin discoloration
- Problems with their teeth and gums
Overall a person who has a drug addiction may look sickly, underweight, and in need of medical care.
Increased Irritability or Aggression
Drugs affect brain function, which, in turn, affects emotions, behavior, and one’s overall mindset. A person that is on drugs for an extended period may go through episodes of anger or irritability. They may suffer from anxiety disorder or depression. Mood swings are frequent and can occur throughout the day.
Fatigue or Apathy
Someone with drug addiction starts to care less about family, friends, school, work, or things they used to be interested in. Their motivation for getting declines as fatigue sets in. They may get to the point where they don’t want to get out of bed and show little concern for anything other than their drug habit.
Drastic Changes in Behavior
Drugs can change a person to the point where the people around them do not recognize them anymore. Much of this has to do with changes in their routine, appearance, friends, and activities. A person who is relatively happy and productive can suddenly be reckless and moody. They may start engaging in behaviors that seem odd or out of character.
Risky or Criminal Behavior
One of the ways in which a person on drugs displays odd behavior is by engaging in activities that are either dangerous or illegal. When they are on drugs, they may not consider the consequences of their behavior. This can range from driving while high to engaging in sexual behavior or sharing drug paraphernalia.
Refusal to Quit Using the Drug
In many cases, a person has to hit rock bottom before they finally admit that they need help for their addiction. Unfortunately, they may lose their home, family, job, education, finances, or health before that happens. An addiction can cause someone to keep using the drug regardless of the consequences.
Get Help for Drug Addiction Today
If you are suffering from drug addiction, help is available. Women’s Recovery offers treatment for all types of drug addictions. Learn more about the signs of drug addiction by contacting us at 833.754.0554. We can get you started on the road to recovery today.
