Signs of Drug Addiction: Symptoms & Things To Watch For

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Drug addiction is a growing problem within the United States. More drugs are readily accessible to larger groups of people, causing addiction numbers to climb dramatically.

Often, increased feelings of anxiety, loneliness, or depression can trigger people to turn to substance abuse.

Unfortunately, drug addiction is not always easy to recognize, and many people who struggle with it may not even realize they have a problem. This can make it difficult for them to seek help and can worsen their addiction over time.

That’s why it’s important to be aware of the signs of drug addiction to help friends and family members in need. Helping somebody with a drug addiction is not simple, but can be made easier by understanding signs and symptoms.

Is Drug Use Addictive?

Yes, drug use can be extremely addictive.

Any drug use can result in addiction. Drugs have addictive properties that affect the brain. Some substances are more addictive than others, and as a result, there are different types of addiction that people may experience.

Several factors, including genetics, environment, and pre-existing mental health status, can influence addiction. Once someone becomes addicted to drugs, stopping without professional treatment can be challenging.

Drug addiction is not something to take lightly.

Although its portrayal in the media is often glorified, it is crucial to understand the dangers. Notably, young people should be protected from the risks of drugs and addiction. Teenagers and adolescents are more prone to drug addiction than other age groups.

What Symptoms Does Drug Use Cause?

Drug use is dangerous, especially when in excess. While some drugs are more harmful than others, they can all cause symptoms when you become dependent upon them. People start using drugs because they like the way they make them feel.

While it isn’t possible to list the symptoms for every drug on the market, we can discuss general symptoms. Drug abuse’s physical and mental effects are often similar, regardless of the substance.

1. Physical Effects On Your Daily Routine

Drugs can profoundly affect the lives of people that use them. Even when they are not actively high, drug use impacts the body. Physical symptoms are common when people are actively on drugs and in the days after using them. This is also a major problem in cases of withdrawal.

Drugs can change appetite, leading to increased or decreased hunger. For example, it is common for marijuana to give people the “munchies,” causing them to crave junk food. Binge eating is also frequently associated with drug use.

It is common for drugs to disrupt the sleep cycles of users. Drugs harm your circadian rhythm, making it difficult to get REM sleep. They can disrupt sleeping patterns and lead to chronic insomnia.

2. Serious Physical Effects and Consequences

Although changes to appetite and sleep patterns are bad for your health, it takes a while for these sorts of things to become dangerous. However, other physical effects can have an immediate impact on the user.

Some of the most dangerous effects are on the cardiovascular system. Common side effects include changes to heart rate, blood pressure, and circulation. Damage can sometimes be permanent.

Respiratory effects are also common in drugs like opioids and sedatives. These drugs tend to depress the respiratory system. This effect can result in slowed breathing and respiratory failure.

3. Behavioral Symptoms

Drug use is known to cause behavioral symptoms. People do not act as they normally do when they are on drugs. Instead, they take on a new personality due to the drugs.

The effect on personality or mood will be different depending on the substance. Some substances will make people more lethargic, while others can make users excitable. Mood swings can also occur.

It is common for drug users to become more secretive as their addiction grows.

It can lead to an increase in risky behavior, with lowered inhibitions. Problematic behavior can include driving under the influence, theft, and engaging in unprotected sex.

Even if someone is not arrested for using an illegal substance, it is common for users to partake in illegal activities that get them arrested.

4. Psychological Symptoms

Psychological symptoms are common in drug use. Drugs change the moods of people that use them.

They can lead to feelings of euphoria when actively being used. However, addicts will have feelings of anxiety, depression, restlessness, and irritability when they do not have access to drugs.

Cognitive impairment is another staple of the psychological impact of drug use. All drugs cause cognitive impairment to a degree. Alcohol, marijuana, amphetamines, and opioids can make it challenging to think clearly, concentrate, and remember information.

Additionally, some drugs can cause psychosis. They can also trigger latent schizophrenia. Hallucinogens are the most common culprit here, as they can cause a person to experience delusions and psychotic episodes.

5. Social Symptoms

Many of the symptoms we’ve described are not easy to pick up on when people are not actively engaged in drug use.

However, the social symptoms and effects are easier for friends and family members to pick up on. Addicts often withdraw from friends and family, instead spending time with other addicts.

Furthermore, addicts usually focus less on their relationships, work, and school. As a result, it is common for financial struggles to arise. When these financial problems arise, addicts usually turn to theft or dealing to get their fix.

3 Signs a Person Might Have a Drug Problem: Things To Watch For

Everyone wants to ensure their friends and family members live their best life.

If you think one of your loved ones might have a drug problem, there are signs to look out for. Here are three core things to watch for in people that might have a drug problem:

1. Loss of Interest in Hobbies

When covering addiction basics, one of the first things to understand is addicts often lose interest in their hobbies over time.

Casual drug use does not usually cause this problem.

Instead, a loss of interest in hobbies often arises when people develop a drug addiction. They will begin to spend so much time using or focusing on gaining access to more drugs that they start to lose interest in their passions.

2. Financial Problems

Today more than ever, it is common for people to have financial struggles. The cost of rent, groceries, and activities have skyrocketed.

Sure, financial struggles are not a clear-cut sign of a drug problem. However, if someone was previously financially secure and is now experiencing problems, it could be a sign of drug abuse.

Drugs are expensive, and addicts often lose their jobs or careers due to abuse. They might go into debt to obtain drugs, which can land them in even more trouble.

3. Mood Changes

If you are close to someone, you know their personality well. It should not be challenging to notice mood changes. However, we are not talking about someone being grumpy for a day or two. Addicts often have significant and extended mood swings because of the smallest things.

At What Point Is Drug Use a Problem?

There is no single answer to the question of when drug use becomes a problem, as everyone’s experience with drug use is unique. However, a general guideline is when drug use negatively impacts a person’s life and well-being.

This can manifest in many ways, but some common signs that drug use has become a problem include neglecting responsibilities, such as work or school, letting drugs interfere with personal relationships, experiencing financial difficulties due to drug use, and experiencing physical or mental health problems as a result of drug use.

How Do You Deal With Someone Who Has a Drug Problem?

Dealing with someone who has a drug problem can be challenging, but it’s important to approach the situation with compassion and understanding.

The first step is to support and encourage the person struggling with addiction. Let them know that you are there to help and that they are not alone.

Avoid being judgmental or confrontational, as this can create defensiveness and resistance. Instead, focus on building a relationship of trust and understanding. Listen to their concerns and feelings without judgment, and provide resources and information on available treatment options.

Remember that addiction is a complex issue, and recovery is a journey that takes time and effort. It’s not uncommon for people to resist help at first, but don’t give up. Keep offering support and encouragement, and try to be patient and understanding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some common addiction questions we wanted to answer before wrapping up:

What is the first rule of addiction?

The first rule of addiction is to change your life so that it is easier not to use. Surround yourself with people with healthy lifestyles. Distance yourself from other addicts.

What is the most noticeable sign of drug addiction?

Behavioral signs are easy for people to notice, especially family and friends.

Additional Addictions To Watch For

Here are some other addictions to watch for:

Wrapping Up

Drug addiction is a serious matter that should never be underestimated. It can be very dangerous and destroy lives. That’s why knowing the telltale signs of drug addiction is crucial. Keep an eye out for the signs of drug addiction in loved ones so you can help them get the treatment they need.

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