Being able to recognize the signs of addiction can be life-saving for both yourself and your loved ones. Some addictions can begin subtly and are easy to miss or dismiss. However, addictions do increase in intensity over time, and the signs of addiction will become more apparent. Once you recognize the signs, getting help immediately is vital. One place to find help is Painted Desert Recovery, which offers comprehensive addiction treatment and education. However, treatment can only begin once you or your loved one recognizes that they need help.
Remember that these are common signs of addiction that most people will generally show regardless of the substance they are consuming. Specific substances, such as alcohol or opiates, will also have unique signs that a person can spot. However, noticing these signs below is a good indicator that something is wrong and requires immediate help.
The Physical and Psychological Signs of Addiction
When people consume substances or drugs, it affects both their minds and their bodies. Substances change the brain’s chemistry, which has a cascade effect on the rest of the body and psyche. Often, others will notice the physical signs of addiction. The psychological signs, however, are noticed by the individual struggling with the addiction. Overall, a person will begin to look and act “unwell” the longer the addiction continues.
The common physical signs of addiction include:
- Sudden changes in appearance, such as dramatic weight loss, hair loss, or changes in skin – such as bruising, needle marks, or jaundice
- Neglecting personal appearance
- Lethargy or sudden bursts of hyperactive energy
- Developing a tolerance to a substance, requiring more of the substance to experience the same effect
- Experiencing physical withdrawal symptoms when not consuming the substance – such as nausea, shaking, or headaches
The common psychological signs of addiction include:
- Being unable to stop using a substance despite knowing it’s harmful to yourself
- Trying to stop or regulate substance use but without success
- Constantly worrying about getting the next dose or having a consistent supply of the substance
- Becoming distressed and fearful when unable to obtain substances
- Experiencing intense cravings, especially in places where a substance is used or obtained
The Behavioral Signs of Addiction
When someone has an addiction, it will begin to change their behavior. Sometimes, these behavioral signs of addiction are the first signs to be noticed, as a person might undergo a sudden personality change. These changes can be jarring and concerning to witness. Often, a person knows deep down that something is wrong, but they feel they need to hide their substance use to avoid confrontation or judgment. Any type of sudden personality change is a cause for alarm. However, when noticed alongside other signs of addiction, the culprit of these changes can be quickly deduced.
Some common behavioral signs of addiction include:
- Sudden secrecy about activities, relationships, and private spaces
- Making excuses for or lying to cover up strange or unusual behavior
- Displaying sudden interpersonal problems, such as becoming irritable, secluded, or paranoid
- Withdrawing from activities, friends, and family
- Increasingly risky behavior to obtain or use substances
The Social Signs of Addiction
Addiction doesn’t just affect our health and relationships – it also affects society as a whole. Sometimes, the consequences of these are what alert someone to the fact they have an addiction. Perhaps the most well-known societal consequence of addiction is facing legal troubles. Many substances are illegal and possession and the law often punishes public intoxication of such. Addiction also steals people away from their obligations and causes people to withdraw completely.
Some common social signs of addiction include:
- Spending considerable time obtaining, consuming, or recovering from substance use
- Neglecting responsibilities or obligations, such as school, work, and home life
- Getting into legal trouble due to substance use, such as DUI, stealing to support drug purchases and public intoxication
- Neglect in caring for dependents, such as children or pets, in favor of personal substance use
Learning More About Addiction
Again, these are common signs of addiction that most people will show when they are struggling. Many other signs of addiction are specific to the substance that a person is consuming. It’s encouraged for everyone, not just those at risk for addiction, to be aware of these substances and signs of addiction. There are several ways a person can do more research into addiction while remaining in the comfort of their homes.
One direct way to learn more about addiction is to contact your local addiction treatment facility, especially if they specialize in specific substances or in the people they treat. For example, Painted Desert Recovery is a women-only treatment facility that specializes in stimulant, alcohol, benzo, and opiate addictions. Our facility is a good place to start if you want to learn more about the signs of addiction in women.
Another way is to utilize official government websites that aim to educate the public about mental health and addiction. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is a great place to start, with links to other specific departments dealing with mental health and addiction. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is another good resource that is typically used to help those struggling to find the help they need.
Recognizing the signs of addiction could very well save the life of a loved one or even yourself.
Each type of addiction is different and requires specialized treatment. However, there are some common signs that all addictions share. Knowing how to spot these signs doesn’t just help your loved ones. Such knowledge can also save your life. That’s why everyone needs to learn how to recognize an addiction. One place people can learn this skill is at Painted Desert Recovery in New Harmony, Utah. Staffed by qualified mental health care professionals, clients can experience a safe and supportive environment to recover from addiction. Remember that anyone can recover from an addiction with the right help and support. If you think that you or a loved one may be struggling with an addiction, don’t wait. Call (844) 540-0353 today.
