Signs and Symptoms of Addiction

Physical

• 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

• 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

• 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 3 C's of Addiction

• Loss of control over the amount and frequency of use
• Craving and compulsive using
• Continued use in the face of adverse consequences