Symptoms and Signs of Addiction
Identifying the physical, behavioral and emotional symptoms of addiction
Symptoms and Signs of Addiction
Drug and alcohol addiction typically starts off as recreational, whereby the individual drinks and/or uses in a social setting. The disease is progressive, which means that as time passes, he or she will exhibit a higher tolerance, frequently engage in the behavior and experience intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Below is a list of the common signs of addiction. If you or someone you love is struggling with chemical dependency, get help now.
Physical Signs of Addiction:
- Over-active or under-active (depending on the drug)
- Repetitive speech patterns
- Dilated pupils, red eyes
- Excessive sniffing and runny nose (not attributable to a cold)
- Looking pale or undernourished
- Clothes do not fit the same
- Weight loss
- Change in eating habits
- Unusual odors or body odor due to lack of personal hygiene
Behavioral Signs of Addiction:
- Missing work/school
- Work/school problems
- Missing important engagements
- Isolating/secretive about activities
- Disrupted sleep patterns
- Legal problems
- Relationship/marital problems
- Financial problems (e.g. always needing money)
- Conversations dominated by using or drug/alcohol related topics
Emotional Signs of Addiction:
- Irritability/Argumentative
- Defensiveness
- Inability to deal with stress
- Loss of interest in activities/people that used to be part of their lives
- Obnoxious
- Silly
- Confused easily
- Denial
- Rationalizing – Offering alibis, excuses, justifications, or other explanations for their using behavior
- Minimization – Admitting superficially to the problem but not admitting to the seriousness or full scope of the behavior or consequences
- Blaming – Placing the blame for the behavior on someone else or some event
- Diversion – Changing the subject to avoid discussing the topic
Also, Look for the Three Cs of Addiction:
- Loss of control over the amount and frequency of use
- Craving and compulsive using
- Continued use in the face of adverse consequences
Physical Signs of Addiction:
- Over-active or under-active (depending on the drug)
- Repetitive speech patterns
- Dilated pupils, red eyes
- Excessive sniffing and runny nose (not attributable to a cold)
- Looking pale or undernourished
- Clothes do not fit the same
- Weight loss
- Change in eating habits
- Unusual odors or body odor due to lack of personal hygiene
Behavioral Signs of Addiction:
- Missing work/school
- Work/school problems
- Missing important engagements
- Isolating/secretive about activities
- Disrupted sleep patterns
- Legal problems
- Relationship/marital problems
- Financial problems (e.g. always needing money)
- Conversations dominated by using or drug/alcohol related topics
Emotional Signs of Addiction:
- Irritability/Argumentative
- Defensiveness
- Inability to deal with stress
- Loss of interest in activities/people that used to be part of their lives
- Obnoxious
- Silly
- Confused easily
- Denial
- Rationalizing – Offering alibis, excuses, justifications, or other explanations for their using behavior
- Minimization – Admitting superficially to the problem but not admitting to the seriousness or full scope of the behavior or consequences
- Blaming – Placing the blame for the behavior on someone else or some event
- Diversion – Changing the subject to avoid discussing the topic
Also, Look for the Three Cs of Addiction:
- Loss of control over the amount and frequency of use
- Craving and compulsive using
- Continued use in the face of adverse consequences
If you have questions about the signs of addiction, call us at 678-805-5131 or 800-732-5430, or contact us online.
