Addiction Symptoms and Advice

Written by Lisa Simmons

If you believe that your child or loved one may have an addiction problem of some sort, there are some signs you can look for that may help you know whether or not you should seek help for them.Some of the physical signs of addiction are changes in behavior patterns, which include being overly moody, becoming irritable if they are normally easy going, and/or being more nervous then normal. You may notice a gradual or very quick change in the individuals personality. They may show signs of paranoia and may pull away emotionally from you, their friends or other family members. If the person is in school you may notice a drop in grades. If they are employed you may notice more absences. Other behavioral signs include spending time with new friends, a defiant attitude, losing their temper, acting giddy or high, a lack in personal care such as bathing or if you find drug paraphernalia in their belongings.

Some of the more physical signs of a drug addiction are an increase or loss of apppetite, staggering, weight loss or gain or the inability to sleep. More physical signs of abuse are red eyes, a puffy face or possibly a combination of vomiting or nausea. Most people that are battling with a drug addiction will become dishonest eventually.

The symptoms of abuse are different for whichever type of drug the person may be using. If the person is abusing marijuana you will notice that the person eyes are red or glassy. They will also act out in a giddy manner as though nothing is important. Sleeping more is often a sign of marijuana abuse. There may be weight gain or possibly weight loss.

Unfortunately teens are currently abusing inhalants as a way to get high. This can include items such as glue or spray paint. If the person show signs of watery eyes, loss of memory, rashes around the nose and mouth, impaired vision, drowsiness, headaches and nausea or poor muscle control, or are seemingly very anxious, they may have an addiction to inhalants.

Depressants are also commonly abused and can cause signs and symptoms of those akin to alcohol abuse. Barbiturate or tranquilizer addicts will behave almost as if they are intoxicated. They may have difficulty concentrating, be clumsy, have slurred speech or be very sleepy. You may notice that their pupils remain contracted.

Signs and symptoms of a stimulant abuse will be the opposite of the above. You may notice the person acting very hyperactive, being unable to sit still, not being able to hold their train of thought, being very irritable or anxious or not sleeping. They usually show signs of weight loss and their pupils may be dilated.

It is very frightening to observe a person who is abusing a hallucinogen type of drug. They may have severe paranoia along with bizarre behavior, such as hearing voices or thinking they can do things they cannot actually physically do. They may become very aggressive or very sad with spells of sobbing. They may become obsessed with strange objects, for instance a block of wood, and talk to it as if it is a living being. They most normally have very slurred speech patterns and massive confusion.

Alcohol abuse is a little easier to detect, mainly because you will probably smell the alcohol on the persons breath. They may also show signs of being clumsy, disoriented, sad, or happy and excited. Help is available for all types of addiction problems and should be sought as soon as possible.