The Signs of Drug Addiction

Drug addiction is a serious disease and may be difficult to recognize, both for the addict and the addict's loved ones. Keeping a look out for certain symptoms and asking a few basic questions may be the difference between life and death for the drug user.

A National Problem

Use and abuse of addictive drugs touches every area of our society. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 8.3 percent of people in the United States have used an illicit drug in the past month. Although it is difficult to determine precisely how many of these users are actually addicted, a study conducted by the Schneider Institute for Health Policy at Brandeis University estimates that more than 16,000 people die each year because of illicit drug use and that such drug use costs the economy more than $100 billion annually.
Drug use can be difficult to detect, in part because due to its illegal nature, much drug use is practiced in private. Additionally, the symptoms of an illegal drug addiction may not be as open as obvious as those of, for example, alcohol abuse. If a drug abuser's loved ones are unaware of the symptoms, it may be difficult for a for them to recognize potential abuse until a serious and powerful addiction has set in. Even the abuser may be unaware that he has a problem, thinking that their drug use is "under control."

Are You Addicted?

Illegal drugs vary greatly in their effects and potential for addiction. All addictions, however, share certain characteristics that may indicate to the user that he or she has become addicted. The Mayo Clinic has identified a number of these characteristics:
1. Feeling a need for the drug regularly, even several times a day.
2. Becoming concerned with keeping a supply of the drug.
3. Trying and failing to stop using the drug.
4. Doing things to obtain the drug that the user would not ordinarily do, including stealing.
5. Using the drug to deal with problems.
6. Driving or other activities while under the influence of the drug that put the user or other people at risk of harm.
A person exhibiting any of these symptoms may have a drug addiction. A person exhibiting several of these symptoms is very likely addicted to drugs.

Is Your Loved One Addicted?

A person concerned about the drug use of a friend or family member will probably not be able to answer these questions and will have to rely on observing external symptoms. Although the specific symptoms an abuser may exhibit varies from drug to drug, the Partnership for a Drug-Free America has developed a list of general symptoms which may indicate drug use by a loved one. These symptoms may be physical, emotional, or behavioral in nature.

Physical Symptoms

Physical symptoms may be the easiest to identify. An abuser may seem unusually clumsy or uncoordinated. His speech patterns may change, including slurred speech or "rapid-fire" talking. The abuser may appear to laugh for no reason. The abuser may frequently clench his or her teeth or have reddened or dilated eyes.
Sometimes these physical symptoms can manifest themselves as serious health problems. The abuser may have frequent runny noses or nosebleeds. He or she may experience nausea or vomiting on a regular basis. Sudden or dramatic weight loss or weight gain may also be a sign.

Emotional Symptoms

A regular drug user may become lethargic, uncommunicative or even depressed. He may suddenly stop paying attention to personal hygiene. The user may experience difficulty focusing on tasks or on another person during conversation. Addiction may be accompanied by a loss of interest in activities the person previously enjoyed and a general decrease in motivation.

Behavioral Symptoms

The addict may attempt mask his or her drug use, including the increased use of scented candles or body spray or the increased use of over-the-counter eyedrops to reduce redness. Performance at work or school may suffer. Reckless behavior may increase. The addict may have long periods of sleeplessness, followed by long periods of "catch-up" sleep.

Seeking Help

These are, of course, not all possible symptoms of drug abuse or addiction, but should your loved one suddenly begin to exhibit a number of these symptoms, that the person may have or may be developing a drug problem.
If you believe that you or a loved one may be becoming addicted to drugs, the first step is to contact a doctor or other medical professional, who should in turn be able to direct you to organizations in your community specializing in treating drug addiction.

Resources

• Teen Drug Intervention: How to Tell if Your Teen Is Using and Taking Action to Intervene