If you suspect that someone close to you has an addiction to drugs, in some cases, it can be hard to confirm your suspicions. Of course, you don’t want to accuse them before you know for sure, as this will most likely result in an argument. To help you get through this trying time, here are some of the most common signs of drug addiction to watch out for.
Physical Signs
When a person is abusing chemicals, they may exhibit certain physical signs relating to their drug addiction. While some of these may be apparent, others may take time to manifest. Some of these physical signs may include:
- Frequent runny nose
- Tremors or seizures
- Loss of physical coordination
- Extreme lethargy
- Chemical odor on breath or clothes
- Pinpoint pupils
- Bloodshot or watery eyes
- Changes in weight
- Changes in appetite and eating habits
- Irregular sleeping patterns or difficulty falling asleep
- Marks on the skin
Behavioral Signs
A person who abuses drugs may act differently in a lot of situations. These changes may result from the desire to feed the addiction, or they could simply be the byproduct of physical and mental changes from the drugs themselves. Some of the behavioral signs of drug abuse may include:
- Shifts in social circles
- Decreased participation in family activities
- Poor performance in work or school
- Repeated lying, dishonesty, or deceit
- Legal issues
- Secretive behavior
- Neglecting responsibilities
- Financial issues
Psychological Signs
When someone misuses drugs and alcohol, they may change in appearance or behavior. They might also think and process information differently and react to it differently. Some of the psychological signs of drug abuse may include:
- Changes in personality traits
- Mental illness, such as depression or anxiety
- Paranoid, fearful, or obsessive thoughts
- Negative self-image
- Dismal outlook on or attitude toward life
- Withdrawing emotionally from loved ones
- Lack of motivation
- Feelings of apathy or disinterest
After reviewing the most common signs of drug addiction, you may have a better idea of how to proceed. If you are dealing with drug abuse, you should understand that it’s a very stressful situation for everyone. Remember that, sometimes, the person will not be able to rationalize their behavior or control their emotions. In these cases, counseling and therapy may help everyone involved to process their emotions and move forward with more positive habits.
