Substance use affects people from different backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses. Whether prescribed or recreational, continued drug use increases tolerance levels and physical dependence. Ultimately, this leads to addiction, which can be deadly if not treated. One factor that enables immediate addiction treatment is recognizing addiction signs early on.
If you believe you or a loved one is dealing with an addiction problem, don't waste time. Reach out to a local treatment program, like a Huntington Beach rehab to get help today.
What Is Drug Or Substance Addiction?
Drug or substance addiction refers to the psychological and physical need for the continued use of substances. Prolonged drug use can be detrimental to the body, eventually becoming life-threatening. Seeking treatment right away can be life-saving. While drug addiction signs are not present in every case of substance use, most substances will create noticeable symptoms in the people using them. These signs can either be psychological, physical, or both.
What Are The Physical And Psychological Signs Of Drug Addiction?
When someone uses a drug for a continued period, their body develops a higher tolerance. When their tolerance increases, they are forced to increase the dosage needed to achieve the high they are looking for. This increased dosage places the person at increased risks and leads to further alterations in their physiological and psychological processes. This makes changes in a person's appearance, habits, and behaviors more pronounced.
Physical Signs Of Drug Addiction
Several noticeable physical signs are caused by continued drug use. Though these signs vary depending on the substance being abused, some are generally common. Evident physical signs are such as:
- Bloodshot eyes
- Skin changes such as unusual skin color
- Constricted or dilated pupils
- Itching
- Changes in hygiene
Apart from these signs, someone battling a substance abuse disorder can also experience further changes in their physical appearance, such as changes in eating habits, causing someone to lose or gain weight rapidly. A person will often go to great lengths hiding these physical indicators. However, the more prolonged the drug use becomes, the more complacent they get, resulting in more noticeable signs.
Psychological Signs
Substance use often impairs the brain's functionality, affecting its ability to think clearly and focus. This leads to several psychological changes that affect a person's behavior and emotions. Some behavioral changes include apathy or sudden loss of interest. A person battling addiction can lose interest in the skills, hobbies, or talents they previously enjoyed. They might also develop reclusive behaviors, often opting to isolate themselves from others.
Other behavioral changes could include sudden changes in their daily routine. A person can skip school or miss work more regularly, changing their behaviors at home as well. The more noticeable behavioral change is the presence of erratic behaviors that are far from the norm.
Psychological changes also affect a person's emotional behaviors. An ordinarily calm person can become ultra-hyper, while someone who was previously lively can become depressed. A person might also experience erratic or rapid mood swings, quickly going from calm to frantic and back. Other psychological signs include irritability or increased aggression, lethargy, depression, and dramatic changes in priorities.
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