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Drug Addiction Signs
Addiction is an unhealthy obsession with a certain activity or substance. Drug abuse and alcoholism are common forms of addiction. The signs of addiction are not always evident and can sometimes be more obvious than other times. Possessing the signs of addiction does not always mean that there is a drug addiction present. However, you may want to be more aware if someone is suspected of using. If a friend or family member is suspected, be supportive and assist the individual on the road to recovery.
Addictions manifest in a wide variety of people from all walks of life. It is not exactly clear how addictions develop, but they can be initiated by a number of factors including social pressure, personality, and availability. Addiction can also cause one's physical well-being to deteriorate over a period of time.
Drug addiction signs and symptoms:
Change in appetite such as an increase or decrease, changes in eating habits, unexplained weight loss or gain
Smell on breath, body, or clothes of substances
Extreme hyperactivity, excessive talkativeness
Needle marks or bruises on lower arm, legs, or bottom of feet
Change in overall attitude/personality with no other identifiable cause
Changes in friends, new hangouts, avoidance of old friends
New friends are drug users
Change in activities, loss of interest in things that were important before
Drop in school or work performance
Skips or is late to school or work
Changes in habits at home, loss of interest in family and family activities
Difficulty paying attention
Forgetfulness
The "I Don't Care" attitude - lack of motivation, energy, self-esteem, discipline
Defensiveness, temper tantrums, resentful behavior (every thing's a hassle)
Unexplained moodiness
Unexplained irritability
Unexplained nervousness
Violent temper or bizarre behavior
Unexplained silliness or giddiness
Paranoia, suspiciousness
Excessive need for privacy, keeps door locked or closed, won't let people in
Secretive or suspicious behavior
Car accidents and fender benders
Household accidents
Chronic dishonesty
Trouble with police
Unexplained need for money
Can't explain where money goes
Stealing
Unusual effort to cover arms and legs
Change in grooming habits
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Remember: Denial is dangerous for everyone. Addiction takes over the lives of addicts. It endangers their health, safety, and happiness as well as that of others. Denial lets everyone pretend there is not problem. The longer denial goes on, the longer it will take for an addict to change his or her behavior.
Ignoring a loved one's drug problem will not make the problem go away. But if you suspect someone is using drugs, you must proceed very carefully. Don't spy or make emotional accusations, which are sure ways to make the person rebellious and defensive. Instead, tell the person that drugs can damage their health and their future. Explain that you want to protect them from the danger of drugs just as you would want to protect them from any other threat. Most importantly, get the help as soon as possible.
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