Addiction Symptoms and Warning Signs
Addiction can be described as not having any control over certain behaviours or substances consumed – whether taken orally, inhaled or injected. Addiction generally progresses quickly, with most people being taken unawares by its deadly effects.
When the topic of addiction is raised, the focus tends to be on drugs and alcohol. However, addiction cuts across a much broader spectrum. For instance, other different types of addiction include:
- Smoking addiction
- Internet addiction
- Gaming addiction
- Food addiction
- Sport addiction
- Sugar addiction
- Sex addiction
- Pornography addiction
- Gambling addiction
- Shopping addiction
- Energy drink addiction
Each type of addiction affects the addict in different, debilitating ways. However, many of them are not afforded the same level of attention as drug and alcohol addiction. There are common underlying signs and symptoms to addiction in general. It’s therefore important to note that there is no certainty you will exhibit all the signs and symptoms associated with any particular addiction. The general symptoms of addiction include the following:
- Loss of control
- Allowing other important aspects of your life to suffer
- Taking abnormal risks – either as a result of addiction or in a bid to fuel the addiction
- Sudden problems in relationships with numerous people (co-workers, partners, classmates)
- Secrecy
- Changes in appearance
- Deteriorating personal hygiene
- Exhibiting the standard signs of withdrawal from an addiction or addictive substance, such as guilt, depression, insomnia, irritability, loss of appetite, fatigue, headaches, nausea, vomiting, sweating, shakiness or trembling.
Alcohol Addiction: Signs and Symptoms
Alcohol addiction (or alcoholism) is a condition whereby the affected person is heavy reliant on alcohol consumption. Such people find it difficult to stay sober for an extended period of time. Alcohol addiction affects all kinds of people; there have been studies to establish the impacts of race, genetics, sex, or socioeconomics on alcohol addiction, but no single cause has been identified. However, all the aforementioned factors can lead to alcohol addiction.
Alcoholism should never be treated with kid gloves, as it is a real disease, with far reaching effects. In alcoholics, there are changes to the neurochemistry of the brain, which makes it difficult for the affected person to control their actions. Some of the main signs and symptoms of alcohol addiction are:
- Increased or constant use of alcohol
- Dependence on alcohol to get through each day
- Hiding bottles or other vessels that contain alcohol
- Avoiding contact with other people
- Intentionally going to places/gatherings where alcohol will be present
- Increased lethargy
- Onset of depression
- Legal issues or professional problems, such as the loss of a job or drink-driving arrests
- Drinking at inappropriate times of day
- Changes in relationships – from being around people who drink little or no alcohol to then keeping the company of heavy drinkers.
Stimulant Addiction: Signs and Symptoms
Stimulants are substances that work by acting on the nervous system to enhance cognitive function and general alertness. They can be prescribed or obtained illegally and can be taken orally, injected or snorted. People addicted to stimulants often use them to enhance performance, but find themselves taken in by their highly addictive nature. There are different kinds of stimulant addiction; for instance, some stimulant addicts are affected by two or more types. They are listed below:
- Steroids addiction
- Ritalin addiction
- Diet Pills addiction
- Dexedrine addiction
- Concerta addiction
- Antidepressants addiction
- Adderall addiction
- Sonata addiction
The signs or symptoms of any kind of stimulant addiction generally take the same form. The most common signs and symptoms are:
- Hyperactivity
- Loss of appetite
- Restlessness
- Dilated pupils
- Sweating
- Dizziness
- Cardiac arrest
- Seizures
- Elevated breathing rate
- Fever
- Irregular heartbeat
- Nausea
Sleeping Pills Addiction: Signs and Symptoms
Sleeping pills are valuable in the fight against insomnia. Unfortunately, many people end up becoming dependent on them. Sleeping pills addiction develops quickly, as many people erroneously believe that they can never become addicted to them and don’t regard them as a serious concern. However, they’ll typically find themselves in a situation whereby they can’t sleep without taking pills and even increasing their dosage as the body builds tolerance. Most people begin to notice they’re addicted at the stage where they start feeling withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking sleeping pills.
There are different types of sleeping pill related addictions; these depend on the particular type of sleeping pill being abused. The main types are as follows:
- Sonata addiction
- Rozerem addiction
- Restoril addiction
- Lunesta-Zopiclone addiction
- Amytal addiction
- Ambien addiction
The main signs and symptoms of sleeping pill addiction are:
- Impaired memory
- Unusual euphoria
- Inability to focus
- Unsteady gait
- Uncoordinated movements
- Unsteady gait
- Slurred speech
- Craving for sleeping pills
- Inability to quit use of sleeping pills, even in the face of negative effects
- ‘Doctor-shopping’ in order to source multiple prescriptions
Prescription Drugs Addiction: Signs and Symptoms
Prescription drugs serve many different purposes. However, when taken in a way that’s not recommended by a medical professional, the end result is usually the onset of addiction. Prescription medications are one of the most highly abused substances – only behind the likes of alcohol, marijuana, heroin, meth and cocaine. Anyone addicted to prescription drugs will involuntarily keep using them to recreate the associated ‘high’, gradually increasing the dosage as tolerance
builds in the body. Some types of prescription drug addictions include:
- Pregabalin addiction
- Painkillers addiction
- Gabapentin addiction
- Diazepam addiction
The signs and symptoms of prescription drug addiction include:
- Sourcing prescriptions illegally
- Increasing dosage for no reason
- General cognitive impairment
- Unusual bouts of energy
- Feeling of sedation
- Altered sleeping patterns
- Increased irritability
- Involuntary eye or limb movements
- Confusion about surroundings or time
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Opiates Addiction: Signs and Symptoms
Opiates are substances derived from opium – the naturally occurring chemical in poppy seeds and plants. They are generally used for the treatment of mild to severe pain in a medical environment. However, as a result of their calming effects, opioid painkillers end up being abused, which eventually results in addiction. Although many opiate addicts can trace their addiction history to a legitimate prescription, many people simply began exploring these substances for their calming effects. There are different types of opiates addiction, including:
- Vicodin addiction
- Tramadol addiction
- Percocet addiction
- Oxycontin addiction
- Oxycodone addiction
- Butrans Patch addiction
- Norco addiction
- Morphine addiction
- Methadone addiction
- Hydromorphone addiction
- Hydrocodone addiction
- Fentanyl addiction
- Dilaudid addiction
- Codeine addiction
- Demerol addiction
The signs and symptoms of opiates addiction include:
- Getting prescriptions from multiple doctors
- Taking part in risky behaviours
- Excessive mood swings
- Isolation from the public
- Itchy or flushed skin
- Constricted pupils
- Needle marks on the extremities showing intravenous abuse
- Lightheadedness
- Euphoric mood
- Weight loss
- Blurred vision
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Slowed or shallow breathing
Legal Highs Addiction: Signs and Symptoms
A ‘legal high’ is usually a synthetic drug that has the capacity to alter mental functioning. However, most are not meant for human consumption, thus posing a legal conundrum. Some naturally occurring ‘legal highs’ have been discovered in the last few years. The uncertainty around the legality of these substances means that they’re growing in popularity, with more people becoming addicted. There are different types of ‘legal high’ addictions – some of which include:
- Spice addiction
- Salvia addiction
- N-bomb addiction
- Mexican-calea addiction
- Devil’s weed addiction
- Damiana addiction
- Methoxetamine addiction
- Kava addiction
- Etizolam addiction
- Cough syrup addiction
- Benzo fury addiction
- Bath salts addiction
- Ah-7921 addiction
- 4-aco-dmt addiction
The signs and symptoms of ‘legal high’ addiction include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Psychosis
- Paranoia
- Schizophrenia
- Hallucinations
- Disruption to sleep pattern
- Overall change in physical appearance
- Poor everyday performance
- Financial difficulties
- Changes in social circle
- Isolation
Drug Addiction: Abuse, Signs and Symptoms
Drug addiction generally refers to the abuse and dependence on highly dangerous narcotics. Where drug addiction is concerned, there is a physical and psychological need to continue using a particular substance – even in the face of the associated harm and other dangerous effects. Some of the different types of drug addiction include:
- PCP addiction
- Meth addiction
- LSD addiction
- Inhalants addiction
- Ice addiction
- Heroin addiction
- Hallucinogen addiction
- Ketamine addiction
- GHB addiction
- Ecstasy addiction
- DMT addiction
- Crystal meth addiction
- Crack cocaine addiction
- Cocaine addiction
- Cannabis addiction
- Amphetamines addiction
The general signs and symptoms of drug addiction include:
- Isolation
- Forming new relationships with other drug users
- Work and family related difficulties, as responsibilities are neglected
- Extreme commitment towards sourcing drugs
- Tolerance
- Intense cravings
- Physical dependence
Benzodiazepines Addiction Signs and Symptoms
Benzodiazepines comprise group of sedative drugs that are administered for the relief of medical issues such as anxiety, seizures, muscle spasms and alcohol withdrawal symptoms. However, they also have notable addictive properties. This means that most people addicted to benzodiazepines were legally prescribed the medication at some point. There are different types of benzodiazepine addiction – some of which include:
- Xanax addiction
- Valium addiction
- Triazolam addiction
- Tranxene addiction
- Temazepam addiction
- Prosom addiction
- Oxazepam addiction
- Onfi addiction
- Nitrazepam addiction
- Lorazepam addiction
- Librium addiction
- Klonopin addiction
- Halcion addiction
- Clorazepate addiction
- Clonazepam addiction
- Clobazam addiction
- Chlordiazepoxide addiction
- Bromazepam addiction
- Ativan addiction
- Alprazolam addiction
The common signs and symptoms of Benzodiazepine addiction include:
- Muscle weakness
- Slowed reaction time
- Poor concentration and memory
- Incoordination
- Dizziness
- Double vision
- Drowsiness
- Stupor
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Anxiety
- Hand tremors
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Excessive sweating
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
Are you in need of addiction treatment? If so, get in touch with a medical professional right away to get the help you need.
Call our admissions line 24 hours a day to get help.