Drug
Addiction Warning Signs
By Dr. Fourkan Ali
Drug addiction is usually an insidious affair, beginning with
simple recreational pleasure seeking and gradually darkening into a much more
destructive and compulsive process. This dependency on certain substances and
the “pleasure high” associated with the substance can be a potently destructive
cobination.
There
are several key signs of drug addiction, each of which can be thought of as
representing a continuum between mild behaviour on one end and more extreme
behaviour on the other. Generally, the earlier a potential drug addiction
problem is spotted, the easier it is to treat.
One
of the first signs of drug addiction is increasing tolerance of a substance –
the brain and body adapts to pleasure-inducing substances, so that more of the
drug or alcohol has to be consumed to deliver the same effects. If extra
bottles of wine or crates of beer are added to the weekly shopping, for
example, an addiction problem could well be emerging. Related to his this
increasing tolerance is secretive or deceptive behaviour – the substance is
beginning to get a hold of the person’s entire way of life and is becoming an
over-riding priority. This often drives people into pursuing it secretively,
hiding evidence of misuse and covertly spending – or stealing – larger and
larger amounts of money to finance it.
Other
signs include increasing self-neglect and deterioration in personal hygiene,
increasing forgetfulness, low and irritable mood and progressive withdrawal
from social interaction. Taken together, these behavioural changes should alert
loved ones, colleagues or friends that a potential drug addiction problem is
underway.
When
suspicions are aroused that a friend or loved one is suffering from a drug
addiction, the mind can go into overdrive. Suddenly each and every factor of
all interactions are analysed in detail in order to prove or quash the
suspicion. Although every person who is addicted to drugs will act in subtly
different ways, there are a number of warning signs that should be looked out
for in order to find out one way or another. The presence of one or two of
these signs on their own will not immediately confirm an addiction. It is more
important to observe the changes in the person over time and look for several
of these signs together.
Physical Signs of Drug Addiction
As
drug addiction can affect people’s appetites and outlook on life, there are a
number of physical signs that can be indicative of a problem. Rapid weight loss
or gain can be a pointer towards drug addiction. A sudden lack of interest in
appearance and grooming can also be an indication of drug use. One of the more
obvious signs is the appearance of needle marks, although all but the most
deeply addicted will probably wish to keep these covered at all costs. A blank
stare or dilated pupils can also be a warning sign.
Psychological Signs of Drug Addiction
If a person’s demeanour has changed rapidly,
whether they have suddenly become lazy or hyperactive, this could be an
indication of drug addiction. The specific way in which their behaviour has
changed will indicate the sort of drugs they are taking. A change in sleep
habits is another sign to look for.
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