Drug Addiction – The Symptoms
Other behavioral patterns usually conceal symptoms of addiction to drugs. Addiction to drugs commences when the person cannot help wanting to use the drug without considering the physical or emotional consequences. There are however some signs to look for if you want to find out if you or some one you love has an addiction problem.
The sign on top of the list will be the inability to say no to the drug. Those addicted to drugs cannot imagine a life without the drug of their choice. They would go to any lengths to get supplies of drugs for regular use and will often over indulge too.
The only thing that matters to addicts is the next ‘fix'. All earlier involvements such as hobbies, families, work and school become unimportant. Nothing else matters except the use of the drug of choice.
Another good indicator of drug addiction is swings in moods. They are either ‘up' or ‘down' and never what could be called ‘normal'. Angry outbursts and irrational behavior also become regular. Addicts will start doing things that they normally would not do, if they cannot get their fix when the urge takes over.
Changes in the physical shape start manifesting when the addiction has set in. They are likely to lose weight rapidly and become emaciated and ashen in appearance. Personal hygiene takes a back seat and they start looking unkempt and seedy. Eyes become dull and lifeless and they often develop sores on their bodies. They develop a vacant look about them.
Since regular intake of drugs builds up immunity in the system, the addict starts needing more and more dosage to achieve the same old high.
Addicts start behaving strangely sometimes bordering on suspicion. They will retreat from gatherings, absent themselves for no apparent reason. They may emotionally distance themselves from those that they were earlier attached to. With such alienation, it becomes easier for them to use drugs without fear of criticism and derision from those close to them.
Drug addiction often leads to severe depression. Signs of hopelessness, negativism, withdrawal from company are all symptoms of such depression. Performance indicators at work and school can take a turn for the worse for no apparent reason. They may not want to get out of bed for long periods of time and show signs of constant exhaustion.
Drug addiction is a disease, a serious one. No sooner than it is seen for what it is, help must be sought. It is never too late be it for yourself or some one you care for.
