Symptoms of Drug Abuse and Addiction
Drug abuse becomes a dependency when a person has a compulsive need to use drugs without care or regard for the consequences that might arise either bodily or emotionally.
Even though the symptoms of drug addiction can be hidden by other complications in a user's life, there are plenty of signs and symptoms to look for to tell if you or someone you love has a drug dependence.
The most apparent sign naturally is your precious-one's inability to resist taking the drug. People who are reliant upon drugs feel they can't function in life without the help of their drug. They go to extreme lengths to obtain the drug and use it on a habitual basis.
Addicts also begin to lose their interest in activities that they used to like to do. Their whole life is dictated by when and where they can find their next fix. They put aside all other interests, relatives, even work and education. Nothing else is as important as using their drug of selection.
Drug addiction tends to show up in a user's mood. Are they often either really up or exceedingly down? Mood swings are common with drug dependence as are furious explosions and unreasonable behavior.
People with a drug addiction will find themselves behaving in ways they usually would not do without the drug. Physically, the effects of drug addiction will inevitably show in the body over time. They may suffer a sudden weight loss and appear gaunt or pale to other people. They forget to groom themselves, such as not showering on a routine basis or taking the time to comb their hair. They may have bodily sores on their body, and their eyes may seem dull and disinterested, with a dreamy look most of the time.
By the time addiction has fully taken hold of a person, the body has become used to having the drug in its system. It develops a tolerance, and thus the user will need to take more of the drug in order to achieve the same result it had before.
The habituated user will unavoidably begin engaging in secretive or shady behavior, such as retreating during gatherings or embarking on many, superfluous trips just to be by themselves. They can also become emotionally withdrawn from those they were until that time close to. This separation renders it easier for them to use drugs without judgment from those around them.
Depression almost inevitably accompanies drug addiction, so look for tell-tale signs of hopelessness, negative talk, and withdrawal from all activity. Sudden variations in work or school results can also be a sign of dependence. Addicted persons may feel perpetually tired too, and not want to get out bed - sleeping for long periods of time. This can be a combination of both the effects of the drug and the accompanying depression.
Drug dependence is a very serious sickness, so if you see these symptoms in yourself or someone you love, seek help. The healing has to begin somewhere, and when the symptoms show themselves, the time to get help is now!
For more info on Signs of Drug Use and Addiction visit us at http://www.addictiontodrugs.org
