If you’ve observed some of these addiction warning signs and symptoms of drug use in a friend or loved one, you might feel uncertain about addressing the issue. It can be difficult to communicate your concern, especially if you are worried it might result in a conflict. Still, it is crucial to reach out. Here are a few steps you can take to create an intervention plan: Show
Once you’ve taken action and hosted an intervention, you can discuss your options. In most cases, you’ll have three to choose from:
Developing an addiction to a substance or behavior involves a combination of physical and psychological factors. Not everyone with an addiction displays the same signs and symptoms, but there are certain warning signs that can be used to detect addiction. Signs of addictionThe signs of a substance addiction vary depending on the person, what substance they are abusing and what their particular patterns of use are. For example, not all people who struggle with an addiction abuse drugs or alcohol daily, and not all are physically dependent to the substance they abuse. This means there are no set 'common signs' of addiction as everyone will display different symptoms. Problematic useSome people may engage in periodic drug use or binge drinking and may still experience the same negative effects as a daily user. Continuing to use a substance after it has caused problems and consequences in one or more important areas of life is the hallmark warning sign for an addiction. Some of the areas of life where a person may experience consequences include: [1]
These signs may be harder to spot in teens or young people. Read our guide for warning signs of substance abuse in teens. Changes in mood & behaviorA person struggling with an addiction will often display changes in their mood and behavior. People closest to them may notice some of the following signs of addiction:
Get help during Covid-19 At Recovered, we recognize the impact COVID-19 has had and the continued challenges it poses to getting advice and treatment for substance use disorders. SAMHSA has a wealth of information and resources to assist providers, individuals, communities, and states during this difficult time and is ready to help in any way possible. Speak to SAMSHADiagnosing addictionThe criteria or symptoms of addiction are what doctors and medical professionals use to diagnose a person as having an addiction, dependence, or substance use disorder. Unlike warning signs, these criteria are the direct negative impacts that occur in a person's life through a substance or behavior abuse and can be quantified to gauge the level of the problem. However, a person who is experiencing any of these symptoms will often display some of the warning signs of addiction as a byproduct of their addiction. The 11 criteria for addiction, as outlined in the DSM-5, are as follows: [3]
These criteria are measured on a spectrum of mild, moderate, and severe. Meeting 1-2 criteria is defined as mild, 3-5 moderate, and 6+ severe. Identifying the warning signs of addiction is possible, but a formal diagnosis can only be given by a licensed health or mental health professional during a clinical assessment. Treating addictionWhile it can be difficult for a person who has developed an addiction to stop using, there are many effective treatments that can help. People who engage in long-term treatment are more likely to achieve lasting sobriety, and less likely to relapse. Still, not all people who struggle with addiction are willing to get help. If you are concerned about a loved one who is showing signs of addiction, express your concern to them and encourage them to get a formal evaluation by a doctor or mental health professional. During this evaluation, they will receive a diagnosis and will also be provided with different treatment options that best meet their needs. In some instances, this will include inpatient care and medical detox while in others, treatment can be provided in an outpatient setting. Final thoughtsWhile the warning signs for addiction are not the same for everyone, most people with an addiction to drugs or alcohol will display some changes in mood, behavior, or experience consequences as a result of their substance use. Knowing the signs and symptoms of addiction are important for early detection of an addictive disorder, but only a licensed professional can formally diagnose a substance use disorder. It’s important to schedule a formal assessment if you suspect you or a loved one is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction. Drug addiction often starts with experimental substance use in social settings. While virtually any substance can be abused, some drugs carry a higher risk of dependency and addiction than others. It’s important to identify instances of substance abuse early on, so intervention can occur before addiction takes hold. There’s no question that substance use and abuse are widespread in the US. Per 2013-2015 data from NIDA’s National Survey of Drug Use and Health, 65.7 percent of individuals 12 and older used alcohol the prior year, 13.5 percent used marijuana or hashish, and 17.8 percent reported using illicit drugs. In their lifetime, 81 percent of those surveyed reported drinking alcohol, 44 percent said they smoked marijuana or hashish, and 48.8 percent had used illicit drugs. The longer one uses a substance, the harder it is to stop without experiencing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. As a result, recognizing the signs of drug use sooner rather than later is important. There are common signs of habitual drug use across all substances as well as signs that are unique to the type of substance abused. Signs & Symptoms of Drug Addiction
If you or your loved one are exhibiting signs of addiction but you don’t know where to turn, American Addiction Centers (AAC) can help. Our fully licensed team of medical providers and network of credentialed treatment facilities have helped thousands of people get back on their feet and lead a life in recovery. We offer best-in-class care for substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health disorders, treating the whole patient and setting them up for a lifetime of success. Take the next step by contacting us today. Use may become addiction when users continue to seek and use drugs or alcohol despite the negative impacts of using the substance.
While overall moodiness can simply be part of adolescence and the teen years, drug use is generally signified by more drastic changes in mood or behaviors in this age group. Per the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), signs of drug use in adolescents include acting withdrawn, tired, depressed, or hostile. Parents should take note when a child starts associating with a different group of peers, as changes in peer groups may be linked with substance use. An adolescent using drugs might also miss classes, skip school, or change their eating or sleeping habits. Parents can also listen for their kids using slang terms for certain drugs of abuse. If drug use is suspected, prompt intervention is vital. Parents can get help from guidance counselors, primary care physicians, and drug abuse treatment providers. Both alcohol abuse and alcoholism come with a variety of signs and symptoms. Oftentimes, “functional alcoholics” may be able to hide or minimize these signs for some time; however, over time, it generally becomes harder and harder to hide the issue. According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, alcohol abuse can cause blackouts and memory loss. A person may have flushed skin and broken capillaries, particularly in the face. With severe alcohol use disorder, the hands may tremble, and the voice may take on a huskier tone. Long-term abuse of alcohol can lead to chronic diarrhea and even vomiting blood. When an individual suffering from alcohol use disorder stops drinking, they will experience withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches, nausea, insomnia, and anxiety. There is the potential for serious withdrawal complications, including delirium tremens (DTs), a condition that can lead to hallucinations and life-threatening seizures. As a result, those who are addicted to alcohol should never attempt to stop drinking on their own; medical detox is required. Other common signs of alcohol addiction include:
Signs of Abuse Related to Specific DrugsIn addition to general signs of drug use, specific signs of abuse are associated with particular drugs. This information can help a person spot signs of abuse in a friend, family member, or coworker. Marijuana/CannabisMarijuana and other cannabis-based products, such as edibles, may induce euphoria. They can cause heightened visual and auditory perceptions, but the user may also seem uncoordinated and forgetful. Since cannabis increases appetite, the person may eat more than usual. Reactions may be slower, and the user may also become paranoid and suspicious. Those who have smoked marijuana often appear with bloodshot eyes, droopy eyelids, and an overall relaxed or mellow demeanor. StimulantsA person on a stimulant may exhibit frequent behavior changes, aggression, or rapid or rambling speech. They may display dilated pupils, increased energy, and a fast breathing rate. In some cases, users may become paranoid or hostile. If users snort the drug, nasal congestion is a common sign of use. Snorting drugs like cocaine can damage the mucous membrane inside the nose. Barbiturates and BenzodiazepinesThese CNS depressants are often prescribed to treat anxiety and sleep disorders. Benzodiazepines include common medications, such as Valium and Xanax. Barbiturates are not used as much as they used to be; however, they are still sometimes employed to treat seizure disorders and during surgery. Barbiturates carry a higher risk of overdose than benzodiazepines. A person who abuses these drugs may appear uninhibited, dizzy, or depressed. They may experience blurry vision, balance issues, and overall confusion. They may also present with involuntary eye movements, known as nystagmus. HallucinogensThe signs of hallucinogen use vary depending on the specific hallucinogen in question. LSD may cause a person to act impulsively and experience hallucinations. They may claim to hear colors or see sounds, and in some cases, they may experience tremors. If a person has used PCP, they may be unable to feel pain and seem intolerant to loud noise. Someone who has used psilocybin, or “magic mushrooms,” may experience hallucinations, nausea, muscle twitching, and difficulty differentiating between hallucinations and reality. People on hallucinogens may appear drowsy, panicked, or at peace, depending on the type of “trip” they are having. OpioidsOpioids include both prescription painkillers, like Vicodin and OxyContin, and the illicit drug heroin. Signs of opioid abuse include overall sedation, memory issues, inability to concentrate, slowed reaction times, lethargy, and mood swings. Since opioids can slow the digestive system, users often experience constipation and other intestinal issues. When without the drug, users may become anxious and display flulike symptoms. Club drugsEcstasy, ketamine, and GHB are common types of club drugs. Signs and symptoms of use include increased body temperature, poor coordination, dizziness, excessive sweating, clenched teeth, and slurred speech.
If drug use is suspected, early invention is essential to ensure the most robust chances of successful recovery. Friends and family members may choose to stage an intervention once signs of drug use are apparent; if so, a professional interventionist can guide the planning process and the execution of the event for best results. Loved ones should also research comprehensive addiction treatment programs. Treatment should include both medical detox and therapy to address the underlying issues related to substance abuse. Find Substance Abuse Treatment Centers Near You |