It is not always easy to identify the early signs of addiction. Perhaps a family member you know is suffering from the symptoms of addiction or is undergoing the painful process of withdrawal and remission. Perhaps you yourself are a former abuser or addict. No matter what category you fall under, one thing is guaranteed: addiction exists and is life-changing.
So what are the ways you can identify the warning signs of addiction?
Here are some tips to follow.
What is Drug Addiction?
Drug addiction is a physical and mental need to use an addictive substance regardless of its toxic effects on the body. Long-term effects of drug or alcohol abuse include severe chemical dependency and equally harmful withdrawal symptoms.
The severity of addiction is also linked to a “half-life,” the time after a drug leaves the body and still continues to affect the nervous system.
Early Signs of Addiction
Certain habits, when analyzed carefully, can reveal a dangerous form of addiction. While excessively playing video games and gambling fall into the behavioral addiction category, chemical substances like drugs and alcohol can create long-term psychological and physical effects on a person.
Here are two checklists for the physical and emotional signs of substance addiction.
Physical Signs of Addiction
- Lethargy
- Sudden loss of weight
- Changes in eating patterns
- Runny nose and sniffling without sign of a cold or flu
- Definitive changes in eyes (red eyes, dilated pupils)
- Lack of attentiveness to personal hygiene and appearance
- Changes in body odor or the presence of unusual chemical scents
- New, unusual markings on the skin (bruises, burns, puncture wounds, etc.)
- Unusual cravings
Behavioral Signs of Addiction
- Lack of self-awareness
- Anger and aggression
- Rude, hateful, or arrogant outbursts
- Forgetfulness and lack of responsibility
- Ignoring people, pets, games, and other parts of daily life an individual once loved
- Depression and anxiety
- Lack of concentration
- Partial or complete lack of judgment
- Denial and avoidance of conversations about the potential addiction and their behaviors
Personality and Compulsion
Substance abusers and addicts potentially face a lifetime of misery. Many factors such as family history, genetics, social norms, and behavioral issues can identify addictive personalities. In many cases, individuals with severe anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, or hyperactive personalities could potentially be at a higher risk due to addictive tendencies associated with their mental state.
However, the biggest problem an addict faces is alienation. Loved ones provide support during terrible times, but a long-term drug abuser will attempt to separate from their family in an attempt to conceal their problem. If you’re concerned about a loved one, you don’t need to face this alone. At Asana Recovery, we’re here to help you and your loved ones on the path toward a happy and healthy future.
