Signs and Symptoms of a Prescription or Street Drug Addiction.
By lagrav85 | August 1, 2008
Drug addiction is a complex but treatable problem and if addressed properly, addicts can recover and lead normal, productive lives. Substance abuse is characterized by compulsive cravings and a persistent need to use drugs even if the person faces severe and adverse consequences. The drug abuse becomes chronic, and even the well-intentioned can have relapses.
Avoiding prescription or street drugs altogether is the best way to prevent an addiction, but as we do not live in a perfect world, that is not always likely to happen. Many addicts start out from an injury where they were prescribed painkillers, never realizing they would become addicted. Parents should talk to their children, and even if they often don’t realize it, they do have a tremendous influence on their teenager’s decisions; especially when it comes to making better, safer and healthier life choices regarding drug or alcohol usage. Also, siblings, peers or co-workers should feel obligated to report any suspected substance abuse, or any behavior changes they observe. It is the only way to stop the substance abuse before it becomes devastating. But sometimes it is too late and we were unable to stop a close friend or a loved one from getting addicted.
Different drugs produce different effects in people. Visible indicators differ depending on the drug. Some signs and symptoms are specific to one kind of drug, while another type of substance may manifest itself in a different way. It gets even more confusing when an addict uses several drug and symptoms keep changing.
If you suspect someone of having a substance abuse problem, look out for the following:
Behavioral warning signs
Drugs are chemicals that have a profound impact on the neurochemical balance in the brain, which directly affects how a person feels and acts. Changes in behavior may include:
Eating habits change: Dramatic loss or increase of appetite leading to noticeable weight loss or gain.
Sleep patterns are disrupted: constant complaints of tiredness or exhaustion.
New friends: avoiding old friends and picking new hang-outs. Usually the involved individual is unwilling to talk about or introduce the new friends.
School performance slips: grades drop and skipping school becomes a pattern.
Work: accomplishments suffer and the individual arrives late on a regular basis.
Mood swings: oversensitivity, temper tantrums, moodiness, irritability, or nervousness show up more and more. Some drug use may lead to paranoia and hallucinations.
Lack of motivation: the individual has an “I don’t care” attitude, drops hobbies, no energy and lacks self-esteem and depression may set in.
Difficulty paying attention and often is forgetful.
Secrecy and concern for privacy: the individual hides, does not want to be disturbed, and withdraws from his/her usual activities.
Dishonesty: excuses are made to cover up behavior changes.
Medication or prescriptions go missing.
Cash flow changes: there is an unexplained need for more money and valuables around the home/office go missing. Bills are paid late or not at all.
Obvious intoxication: this may include delirious, incoherent speech; in bad cases, the individual may lose consciousness.
Drug Paraphernalia: Evidence of drug use may include pipes, bongs, cigars, rolling papers, butane lighters, roach clips, syringes, rubber tubing, burned tinfoil or spoons.
An excessive amount of odor covering products: This may include dryer sheets, air freshener, fragrant candles, or incense may suddenly show up or you may notice towels under the door.
Crime: General lack of respect for the law, possession of weapons, or being arrested for stealing.
Physical Warning Signs
Most drugs have physical side effects that can easily be recognized. These may include:
Eyes are bloodshot and/or watery eyes. The pupils are larger or smaller than usual; the individual often has a blank stare.
Sickness including: cold symptoms including runny nose, coughing or hacking.
Palms may be cold and sweaty.
Individual may have tremors or shakes on hands, feet or head.
The face may be blushing, swollen or pale.
Body, clothes or breath may smell of substances.
Changing Communication: Either extreme lack of communication or totally hyperactive with excessive talking.
Unexplained nausea, vomiting or excessive sweating.
Irregular heartbeat.
Needle marks on lower arms, legs or the bottom of feet.
Poor physical coordination with a slow or staggering walk.
Faced and thoughtfully addressed, drug abuse and addiction can be overcome. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of drug abuse or addiction in yourself or someone you care about is the first step on the road to recovery, and can mean the difference between a healthy life, or one of destruction.
About the Author:
Irida Sangemino writes articles on drug rehabilitation. She has helped several individuals and families in Europe, Canada and the US, including her own mother, find the right program and overcome addiction. For more information on the Narconon program, and the New Life Detoxification program, visit www.drugrehab.net. If you plan to reproduce this article, please include the link above.
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