Identifying signs of addiction is not always easy to do. Although there are certain signs and symptoms you can look for, that doesn’t mean that they will be there in all cases of addiction. Generally, the addict is the last one to know that they have a dependency because they don’t see the outward signs themselves. But even close friends and family members can be some of the last to know, as they don’t want to believe that addiction is possible.
At The River Source, we understand how difficult it can be to accept the fact that you or someone in your family is struggling with addiction. While not every case is the same, we’ve seen that most families will notice some of the following signs of addiction in their family members. It never hurts to be familiar with these signs and symptoms; it could allow you to intervene sooner and provide treatment before the problem worsens.
Emotional Addiction Symptoms
- Frequent emotional crises
- Mood swings
- Arguments/Violent outbursts
- Isolation
- Withdrawals from social activities
- Withdrawals from relationships
- Inability to empathize with others
- Disinterest in others
- Depression
- Laziness/loss in motivation
- Lowered self-esteem
- Nervousness or irritability
Physical Addiction Symptoms
- A decline in personal hygiene
- A decline in personal health
- Tremors in hands or feet
- Pupils unusually large or small
- Face flushed or bloated
- Excessive sweating
- Constant cold-like symptoms
- Poor physical coordination/stumbling
- Weight gain or loss
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
Behavioral Addiction Symptoms
- Activities with drinking or partying become priority
- Unexplained absences from home, work or school
- Change in sleep patterns
- Change in eating patterns
- Neglect of children
- Separation or divorce
- Drop in school or work performance
- Legal Troubles
- Unexplained trips to the emergency room
- Change in friends
- Money troubles
- Paranoia
- Slurred speech
No Two Addiction Cases are the Same
Remember that no two people are alike, which means that their symptoms will not be alike either. Too often, people believe that drug or alcohol addicts are always individuals who lack performance, motivation and physical health, but many addicts hold steady careers, raise families, participate in social activities and bring home good grades. Eventually, the addiction will catch up to them, but until this point, these individuals can still act normally.
Furthermore, since drug addicts are often the last to come to terms with their addiction, they often go through life believing that they have everyone fooled and that their addiction is under control. It’s not uncommon for addicts to say that they’re just unwinding after a long day or week, which can make you believe that this is really the case. Unfortunately, pretending that everything is ‘okay’ only delays the problem.
If you’re ever in doubt about what constitutes a drug or alcohol addiction, never hesitate to speak with a professional from The River Source. We’re trained to answer these types of questions on your first phone call and get you the support you need. Call us today at 866-294-9331.
