Understanding the Signs of Drug Abuse & Addiction

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) cites that drug addiction is a severe relapsing disease that results in compulsive drug-seeking behavior, regardless of the perilous consequences to the addict or those around him. Generally, it is not difficult to spot a drug abuser or addict.

Drugs and the Brain

• Drugs enter the brain's communication system, modifying how it generally receives, sends and process data

Abuse and Addiction

• An individual who lacks self-esteem may be vulnerable to peer pressure and drug abuse. If he has a family history of addiction he is at a higher risk for abusing drugs. Further, if he has a mental illness, drug abuse can exacerbate his condition or spawn new symptoms.

Physical Signs

• Physical signs of drug abuse and addiction include increased energy; restlessness; insomnia; slow movements; confusion; rapid weight loss or weight gain; excessive sleep; dental problems (e.g. meth use); problems with sinusitis (e.g. powder cocaine use); and persistent cough (e.g. crack cocaine use).

Mental and Emotional Signs

• The drug abuser or addict may display mental and emotional signs such as unusual talkativeness, excessive energy, irritability, anger, spaced-out expression; unresponsiveness; paranoia; delusions; and hallucinations.

Withdrawal Symptoms

• When an addict suddenly reduces his dose or stops using drugs withdrawal symptoms such as chills, shakes, muscle aches and pains, hallucination, insomnia and agitation can occur.