Signs and Symptoms of Drug Addiction

Many people don't know the signs of drug addiction and addiction symptoms until someone in their life admits to being an addict. In many cases, this is too late to prevent the damage addiction can do to the addict and those around them. Knowing what addiction symptoms to look for can help identify a problem early and provide the best chance at successful drug recovery.Signs of drug addiction vary depending on the type of drug being abused. Some drugs or methods of drug use can provide obvious signs of drug addiction. An example is an addict who injects heroin. One of the obvious signs of drug addiction in this case is the presence of injection equipment like a syringe, burned spoon and lighter.

Other times, it is harder to spot the signs of drug addiction. Repeated alcohol binges, for example, might be one of the signs of drug addiction but isn't always. Signs of drug addiction have to be considered with addiction symptoms and other information to indicate whether drug addiction is an issue.

Here are some other common symptoms of prescription drug abuse or addiction:

·         Alterations in mood

·         Erratic behavior

·         Confusion

·         Hyperactive, increased alertness

·         Suicidal tendencies

·         Excessive sweating, urination or thirst

·         Nausea and vomiting

·         Uncontrollable diarrhea

·         Spastic shaking

·         Drowsiness, dizziness and insomnia

·        Unpleasant or painful symptoms when substance is withdrawn

The basic symptoms of drug addiction include:

·         An inability to stop taking the drug, in spite of multiple attempts

·         Negative consequences to the drug user and those around them caused by drug use

·         The drug user continues to take greater amounts of the drug

·          Withdrawal symptoms when not using the drug

Just like illegal drugs, prescription drugs also have numerous side effects and toxicity from these drugs is common. Like all individuals who abuse illicit drugs, individuals who abuse prescription drugs also deny that they have a problem. The majority of these individuals have medical conditions which are obvious but the prescription drug problem is hidden. The majority of these individuals may have social, emotional problems, stress, depression, anxiety, financial woes or familial problems.

A gradual change in these individuals may give a hint to their problem of prescription drug abuse. These changes include:

·         a change in friends

·         declining interest in health

·         decreased interest in school

·         isolation from family and old friends

·         repeated lies, stealing

·         withdraws from social activities

Health Effects

Health Effects

The health risks associated with prescription drug abuse vary depending on the agent. Each class of drugs has its own particular set of side effects but in general the majority of prescription drugs can cause the following side effects:

·         Side effects of Opioids (respiratory depression, low BP, nausea, vomiting)

·         Side effects of Benzodiazepines (sedation, coma, decreased respiration, lethargy, mental confusion)

·         Side effects of Stimulants (fever, fast heart rate, increased BP, seizures)

General signs of drug addiction include:

·         Secretive behavior, lying

·         Unexplained expenditures

·         Disciplinary action at work or school

·         Legal problems relating to drug use

·         Mood swings, depression, anger, aggression, violence

·         Forgetfulness

·         Frequent illness

·         Presence of drug paraphernalia

·         Using room deodorizers and lozenges to cover drug smells in the air and the breath

·         Choosing drug use over all else, giving up previously enjoyed activities

·         Engaging in risky behaviors, contracting a sexually-transmitted illness

·         Being around other drug users or trying to get others to use drugs

Drug addiction symptoms, too, are individual depending on the type of drug and drug use method. Nasal, lung and chest problems are common addiction symptoms in those who snort or smoke drugs like cocaine or marijuana. Skin infections are common symptoms of drug addiction in those who inject drugs.

Because drug addiction is both a physical and psychological issue, both physical and psychological drug addiction symptoms can be seen (read about: physical and psychological effects of drug addiction). Drug addiction symptoms include the following:

·         Unusual behavior

·         Change in responsiveness

·         Hallucinations

·         Changes to vital signs like heart rate, breathing and blood pressure

·         Confusion, sleepiness, coma

·         Frequent blackouts

·         Abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea

·         Skin that is cool and sweaty or hot and dry

·         Infertility, sexual dysfunction

·         Heart, lung and other organ damage