Are you asking what are the symptoms of addiction? Learning to recognize the symptoms of addiction is one of the most loving things you can do for those you care about. There’s no way to determine in advance who may fall victim to drugs or alcohol, and it’s often the people you would least suspect.
In 2007, more than 20 million people were in need of addiction treatment, and many of those people were upstanding citizens, dedicated mothers, and accomplished professionals. All it takes is one prescription for pain pills after an accident or one weak moment when someone gives in to peer pressure, and addiction is set in motion.
The faster you notice the symptoms of addiction, the earlier you can intervene. The earlier you intervene, the less damage the addiction creates in your loved one’s life.
Behavioral Symptoms of Addiction
The first signs of drug and alcohol abuse are often changes in behavior, attitude and daily routine. At first, it may seem like your loved one is making small mistakes that are easy to excuse. Once you’re honest with yourself and ask what are the symptoms of addiction you’ll be able to recognize problems and act.
For instance, when your child is caught skipping school, you may reason that he just caved to peer pressure one time. If you pay close attention, however, you may notice that his grooming habits are slipping, he’s missing his curfew more and more often, and his attitude at home is becoming more disrespectful. These are all symptoms of addiction.
Some other behavioral symptoms may include:
- Arguing with others
- Withdrawal from personal relationships
- Explosive emotions or lack of emotions
- Committing crimes (stealing money, driving while intoxicated, etc.)
- Lack of interest in things that previously made them happy
- Insomnia or excessive sleeping<
- Mental health problems
- Lack of appetite or excessive appetite
- Not caring for dependents properly
- Unexcused absences from work, school
You may also notice that loved ones change their social crowd. When they stop talking to people they were previously close to and start hanging out more with unknown individuals or groups, there’s a good chance they’re spending more time with those willing and able to support their addictive lifestyle.
The Look of Addiction
As drug or alcohol abuse starts to form an undeniable addiction, you may start to notice changes in the physical appearance of loved ones. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Bloodshot eyes
- Dilated pupils
- Weight loss/gain
- Body odor
- Unwashed/brushed hair
- Changes in skin tone, complexion
- Pale facial skin
- Fresh wounds, marks or scars on arms, legs
- Poor coordination
- Slow motor-skill functioning
- Tremors or unexplained shaking
- Excessive itching
You may also notice that your loved one’s speech is sometimes slower or that he or she seems to think incredibly fast. You may have trouble understanding what he or she says to you under the influence. This often goes along with irrational behaviors and lack of judgement. This often leads to violations of the law, the loss of a job or poor grades in school.
Do You Recognize What Are The Symptoms of Addiction
If someone you love is showing symptoms of addiction, sending these individuals to a medical detox center will take them away from the environment that has allowed them to develop their addiction. Not only is Florida home to excellent treatment facilities such as Serenity House, but it offers warm weather and a variety of resources to help those in recovery lead addiction-free lifestyles. Serenity House Detox & Recovery offers a wide variety of addiction detox programs, including:
- Alcohol detox program
- Drug detox program
- Heroin detox program
- Cocaine detox program
- Opiate detox program
- Prescription drug detox program
Give your loved one the gift of a fresh start—with drug rehab treatment. You can get help today by contacting Serenity House Detox & Recovery at 866.294.5306.
