How to Recognize Substance Abuse - Signs of Addiction

Signs of addiction and substance abuse can vary depending on the substance being abused but below you will find some of the most common symptoms indicative of addiction.

Symptoms will cover a lot of the following substance addictions: Alcoholism, prescription drug addiction and street drug abuse

Instructions

• 1

  One of the first common symptoms of drug addiction or substance abuse is a change in appetite. Drug addicts or substance abuse addicts appetites may either increase or decrease very noticeably, depending on the substance being used.

• 2

  Other noticeable signs and symptoms of drug addiction may be the withdrawal from family or close friends. You may notice that the addict begins hanging out with a new group of friends or withdraws completely from their previous social habits.

  Abnormal and excessive time spent alone in the bedroom or bathroom plus unexplainable absences from school or work and defensiveness when questioned about it are common signs of drug or substance abuse.

• 3

  Then other common signs and symptoms that can point to substance abuse is extreme changes in moods and behavior. Unexplainable mood swings, defensiveness and irritability can indicate that you are facing someone dealing with a substance abuse problem.

  Other personality and behavioral changes may include: lying, stealing, paranoia, combativeness, sneakiness, violence, unexplained euphoria, lack of focus and concentration...

  **Note that if the person is dealing with a pain medication or other prescription drug addiction you may notice other signs such as panic when prescriptions get low and use of medication even without need for it. Some may even intentionally injure themselves in order to obtain legal prescriptions.

• 4

  Clothing and smells can also be indicative of abuse. With alcohol you will often find the individual will try and cover the smell with gum, mints and mouth wash.

  Drug addicts who are needle users will often wear long sleeves or garments to cover track marks and other signs of addiction.

• 5

  Occasionally some of these changes and symptoms of addiction will not be easy to spot. Keep your eyes open though as typically it is hard to successfully cover the problem whether it stems from alcohol, prescription drug addiction, or other substance abuse.

  If you do notice signs seek out professional advice and direction or at least find out what your options are for talking to and getting help for the abuser. Substance abuse counselors often will be able to tell you what other symptoms you should be looking out for too.