Drug Addiction: Mental And Physical Signs

If you suspect a family member, friend, or loved one is abusing or addicted to drugs, there are specific signs and behaviors you might see them acting out. The signs of drug addiction vary considerably depending on the substance; this article will present an overall view of addictive behaviors as they relate to a personal mental and emotional state and their physical behavior. You will quickly learn what sort of signs to watch out for by reading this article.

When someone is dealing with an addicted substance, the body will suffer for it. This means there will be physical signs evident of this addiction. Some physical reactions you may observe related to drug-induced behavior include a huge increase in energy, often manifested by fast movements, talking, and insomnia. Conversely, a person may suffer from an abnormal reaction time, slow, slurred speech, masked in confusion and a disoriented state of mind. Another physical reaction from the use of certain drugs is a sudden change in weight, usually losing weight more so than gaining it.

For smoked substances, a nagging cough may be present. Users of substances injected with a needle might have a predisposition for wearing long sleeve shirts to hide track marks, wearing such items even when the weather is not appropriate for it. Speed can cause severe dental issues to develop over time. Another physical sign would be the actual presence of drug paraphernalia and related items, such as pipes, foil, lighters, rolling papers, and so on.

Drug abuse has no less effect on the mind than it does the body. Abusing drugs tends to lead to rapid changes in emotions and behavior and ones mental mindset. If someone changes inexplicably, has rapid mood changes, suffers from anxiety or paranoid delusions, it is possible drugs could be the cause of these changes. Note that under the influence of drugs a person can experience psychotic states of mind and behavior. These behaviors usually only last for the duration of the drugs effect on the body.

The signs and symptoms discussed in this article are of serious consequence. Observe the suspected users behavior and see if there are any similarities. Careful consideration must be given towards how to deal with the situation if there are signs of drug abuse, and this is more suitable to another article than to discuss here. Keep in mind that drug addiction may mandate the use of rehab and life long support groups to remain sober.