Becoming addicted to drugs is a process for most people. Whether it is alcohol, marijuana, opioids, or other substances, people do not start using drugs to become addicted. For many people, the first encounter with addictive substances feels good. Whether it is a mixed drink, a joint, or a pill, the euphoria, pain relief, or lack of inhibition that follow are what fuels the need to repeat the experience. Eventually, it takes more alcohol or drugs to reach the desired high or good feelings, leading to addiction. Craving more drugs or more potent drugs is an early sign of addiction. Families and their loved ones need to know the signs of addiction. Understanding signs and symptoms of addiction and confronting the issue early can help an individual avoid spiraling out of control due to drug use. The following are some signs and symptoms of alcohol and drug addiction.
Getting the Drug Becomes a Priority
When addiction takes hold, an individual makes getting a supply of drugs a priority because they need to have alcohol and other drugs available when the urge to use strikes. As a result, the addicted person may forgo paying debts to fund a drinking or drug habit. Family members might notice that money and valuables go missing, as it is not unusual for addicted individuals to steal to support drug use. Individuals addicted to drugs may escalate from stealing from family members to behaviors such as shoplifting to fund a drug habit. People addicted to drugs may start hanging out with individuals outside of their usual social circle to get drugs. They may also use family members’ prescription drugs.
Changes in Behavior or Mood
Individuals addicted to drugs often exhibit confidence and euphoria when high, but they may become agitated, anxious, withdrawn, and paranoid when the high wears off. Family members might observe that the addicted person lies, is secretive, or frequently appears to be hiding something. For example, teenagers might go to extreme lengths to keep their parents out of their bedrooms.
Engaging in Risky behaviors
Several cities are known for parties that range from backyard get-togethers to lavish affairs. Unfortunately, where there is a party, drugs of all kinds may flow freely. Alcohol and drug use lowers inhibitions and affects judgment, which is why some people drive while impaired. Others may frequent dangerous places and engage in risky behaviors such as having unprotected sex.
Failing to Take Care of Health and Hygiene
It is not unusual for individuals dealing with addiction to pay less attention to personal hygiene. Some people wear the same clothing repeatedly, stop bathing regularly, and fail to care for their teeth. Not caring about one’s health and hygiene is an obvious sign in people who are known to be meticulous about their appearance. Bloodshot eyes, insomnia, and weight loss are other signs that a person may be addicted to alcohol or drugs.
Skipping Work or School
Some addicts may hide their habits and function enough to get by at school or work. However, others are habitually late for work or school or are absent several times each week. As a result, a student battling addiction may fail classes, and employers may terminate employees who struggle with alcohol or drug use.
There is Help Available
Hickory Treatment Centers staff only the most compassionate and knowledgeable addiction specialists that share our vision of accessible and comfortable addiction treatment from detox to aftercare. When you start your journey at our center, you’ll be able to receive medication administered by your dedicated team to help combat withdrawal symptom side effects.
Take the leap for yourself or someone you care about and see just how smooth we can make the process with a confidential consultation. We believe that everyone has the strength to recover from addiction and simply needs the right tools and support to tackle the battle head on.
