What Are the 8 Most Common Signs of Drug Use and Addiction?

June 26, 2019

Dr. Srikanth Reddy

#Best De-Addiction Specialist in Indore

While every person’s experience of drug use or addiction is unique to them, there are some signs that are common to most people who abuse substances:

• Intense cravings.
• Physical dependence.
• Tolerance.
• Withdrawal symptoms.
• Engaging in increasingly risky behaviors.
• Drug-seeking behaviors.
• Financial trouble related to drug use.
• Neglect responsibilities.

What Is Addiction?

Drug addiction is the physical and psychological need to continue using a substance, despite its harmful or dangerous effects. It is important to keep in mind that these signs do not appear in every case, or for every drug addiction. However, these signs appear often enough that they are worth noticing and responding to with appropriate treatment.

What Are the 6 Most Common Signs and Symptoms of Drug Use and Addiction?

If you or someone you love is addicted to drugs or alcohol, they could exhibit a few or all of the following signs and symptoms-

• Cravings- People may experience intense urges or cravings for the drug as their addiction develops.
• Physical dependence-Physical dependence to drugs can develop as people grow accustomed to the persistent presence and influence of the substance. The changes in physiology that accompany this process leave people feeling badly or functioning sub-optimally when the drug is no longer in the system.
• Tolerance-Over time and with prolonged use, people can build up a tolerance to the drug, meaning they need more of the drug to achieve the desired effects.
• Withdrawal symptoms- Some people experience withdrawal symptoms when they attempt to stop using abruptly or when they wean themselves off the drug over a period of time. This is the presence of a withdrawal syndrome indicates that physiologic dependence is at play.
• Poor judgment- When an individual is addicted to drugs, he or she may do anything to obtain more, including risky behaviors such as stealing, lying, engaging in unsafe sexual activity, selling drugs, or crimes that could land the person in jail.
• Drug-seeking- People may spend excessive amounts of time and energy finding and getting their drug of choice.

Drug Addiction Treatment Options

When some people struggle with an addiction, they may deny that they have a problem. Others may be reluctant to enter treatment due to lack of support or cost or easy fear. Outpatient treatment usually involves some sort of treatment at a clinic or treatment center that allows you to go home after receiving treatment. Outpatient treatment allows you the flexibility to manage your other responsibilities while still attending drug or alcohol treatment.

• A detoxification period.
• Medication management, if appropriate.
• Group therapy.
• Individual therapy.
• Relapse prevention education.
• Ongoing support after treatment.