Drug addiction is a condition that results when a person ingests or uses an intoxicating substance to the point where it interferes with physical and mental health, relationships, work, or school. Drug addiction is not defined by the specific drug someone is using; it is defined by whether or not a person has lost control over their use of a substance and continues to use despite negative consequences. Here are some of the signs and symptoms of drug addiction to look out for.
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1. Withdrawal From Social Life
The first sign of addiction is isolation: addicts will stop spending time with friends and family. They often cut themselves off from social activities, picking up new addictions like gambling, pornography, or other drugs. One of the first signs of drug addiction is not wanting to be around people as much as they used to be; it could affect their relationships with family and friends. If a person is good at socializing with people, but suddenly begins avoiding any type of social gathering, it may be a sign of drug addiction.
2. Secretive Behavior
Addicts are constantly hiding money, lying about their whereabouts, and struggling to keep up appearances in the later stages of the disease. It is not uncommon for drug addicts to be secretive about how much money they have, where they are going, and what they are doing. One of the biggest signs that someone is addicted to drugs is if they have secret hiding spots for their drugs or if they are constantly trying to hide it in plain sight. Drug addicts will also take measures to make sure no one knows what they are up to when using drugs; this can include driving around all day until they think no one is looking.
3. Irritability
It is very common for drug addicts to be irritable all the time, without any explanation as to why. Some people may call this “restlessness,” but for someone who does not know them, it is a warning sign of drug addiction.
4. Lack Of Motivation
In the later stages of drug addiction, addicts will stop caring about even the most basic responsibilities as their disease eats away at all areas of their lives. A person’s lack of motivation is one of the final stages of drug addiction. When a person is addicted to drugs they will lose interest in things that they used to be passionate about; including their job, hobbies, and even spending time with family.
4. Lack Of Personal Hygiene/Appearance
Drug addiction leads to a lack of personal hygiene and appearance. It is not uncommon for drugs like cocaine and heroin to cause sores, track marks, and scabs all over the body if they are injected. Some drug addicts will only wear the same type of clothing or even refuse to change their clothes at all; it depends on what type of drug they are addicted to and how much money they have.
5. Mood Swings
Long-term drug addiction often leads to changes in the brain’s chemistry, which can cause a person to go from being happy-go-lucky to angry, agitated, and depressed. A common side effect of long-term drug addiction is mood swings. Someone may seem happy and outgoing one minute, but then angry or agitated the next. Drugs that cause rapid changes in a person’s emotions are usually what cause this symptom of drug addiction.
People often do not understand the signs and symptoms of drug addiction until it is too late. If you know someone who is showing any of these warning signs, then it might be time to have a heart-to-heart with them. There are many reasons why people start taking drugs, but just remember that there is help out there for them and that there is nothing they can’t overcome. Click here to learn more about the available addiction treatment programs to help your loved ones achieve sobriety
