Drug addiction can impact every part of your life. Your health, your relationships, and your emotional well-being suffer as substance abuse becomes the center of your life.
Addiction can develop slowly over time or can occur quickly. Certain risk factors, like a family history of substance abuse, can make it more likely for someone to become addicted to drugs. However, anyone can develop an addiction if they abuse drugs. People may become addicted to prescription drugs or abuse illicit street drugs.
Comprehensive treatment can help people regain control over their health and work toward lifelong sobriety. Recognizing the signs of addiction is the first step toward getting help.
This article will explore common signs of drug addiction. You will learn:
- The physical and behavioral signs of addiction
- What happens in drug addiction treatment
- How to find a substance use disorder treatment program
Contact the team at Ascend Recovery Centers now to learn more about recognizing addiction or to explore your treatment options. Our intake specialists will answer your questions, verify your insurance, and help you find the right level of care to meet your needs. Take the first step of your recovery journey by contacting us now.
Drug Addiction: An Overview
Many prescription and illicit drugs are addictive. People who misuse these drugs may become physically and emotionally dependent on them. Repeated or heavy substance use can cause changes in the brain. These changes can make it very hard to quit without professional treatment.
More than 10% of adults in the U.S. struggle with drug addiction at some point in their lives.[1] People may experiment with illicit street drugs and quickly spiral into a life-altering addiction. Others may misuse prescription medications and develop addiction over time.
Drug addiction can cause short and long-term consequences. It is important to know the signs and symptoms of drug addiction and seek treatment as quickly as possible.
5 Signs of Drug Addiction
Drug addiction can change how you feel, think, and behave. People living with addiction often exhibit physical and psychological symptoms that others can recognize.
Identifying the signs of addiction can help you get help for yourself or a loved one. Here are five common signs that could indicate drug addiction.
1. Using more drugs or alcohol
People who abuse addictive substances may develop a tolerance for them. Tolerance means that your body has adjusted to a certain amount of a substance.[2]
People with drug tolerance may need to use higher or more frequent amounts of a substance to get the desired effects. Or, they may use large amounts of a substance without appearing intoxicated.
2. Physical symptoms
Drug use can take a toll on your physical health. People who live with addiction often have short and long-term effects related to their drug use. In the short term, drug abuse may cause:
- Weight changes: significant gain or loss in a short period
- Bloodshot eyes
- Thinning hair and brittle nails
- Pale skin
- Scarring or marks on the skin
- Burns around the mouth or on the hands
- Neglected hygiene
The physical symptoms people exhibit depend on the type of drugs they use. Generally, a noticeable change in appearance can indicate someone is struggling with drug abuse or addiction.
Long-term health problems associated with drug addiction include:[3]
- Malnutrition
- Bloodborne diseases
- Liver and kidney damage
- Heart problems
- Increased risk of certain cancers
People who abuse drugs are at risk of a lethal overdose.
3. Behavioral changes
Drug use can cause people to behave differently. This can include:
- Dishonesty about their substance use
- Changes in appetite and sleep patterns
- Increased aggression
- Significant changes in energy levels–much more or less energy than before
- Mood changes
- Isolation or a new group of friends
Drug abuse can worsen symptoms of a mental health disorder. It can also cause people to develop symptoms like depression, paranoia, or anxiety.
4. Lack of control
Addiction is a complete loss of control over your substance use. Long periods of drug abuse change how the body and brain function. Over time, your body can develop dependence on drugs. This means you must use them to function.
People who are addicted to drugs will continue to use them despite the harm they cause. They will use drugs even when it hurts their health, relationships, and psychological well-being. In most cases, people need intensive treatment and ongoing support to recover and avoid relapse.
5. Withdrawal symptoms
Once you develop physical dependence on drugs, you will likely experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop using them.[4] Symptoms vary depending on what drugs you use but may include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Nausea
- Tremors
- Excessive sweating
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Chills
- Watery eyes
- Anxiety
- Severe depression
Some withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous, including seizures, hallucinations, and suicidal thoughts. It is crucial to seek professional support during detox to ensure you stay safe.
Addiction Treatment: An Overview
Addiction is a complex condition that requires comprehensive treatment. In a treatment program, people receive care and support from medical and mental health professionals. Treatment plans may include:
- Behavioral therapies
- Mental health treatment
- Individual, family, and group counseling
- Relapse prevention education
- Holistic therapies
- Medications
- Aftercare planning and support
If you or a loved one are one of the millions of people in the United States struggling with drug addiction, you are not alone. Comprehensive treatment is available at Ascend Recovery Centers. Contact us now to explore your treatment options or schedule an intake evaluation.
References:
- National Institutes of Health (NIH): 10 percent of US adults have drug use disorder at some point in their lives
- National Library of Medicine: The relationship of addiction, tolerance, and dependence to alcohol and drugs: a neurochemical approach
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): What are the other health consequences of drug addiction?
- Oxford Academic: Dependence, withdrawal and rebound of CNS drugs: an update and regulatory considerations for new drugs development
