Addiction

Common Signs & Symptoms of Addiction:

Physical Signs of Addiction

• Over-active or under-active (depending on the drug)

• Repetitive speech patterns

• Dilated pupils, red eyes

• Excessive sniffing and runny nose (not attributable to a cold)

• Looking pale or undernourished

• Clothes do not fit the same

• Weight loss

• Change in eating habits

• Unusual odors or body odor due to lack of personal hygiene

Behavioral Signs of Addiction

• Missing work/school

• Work/school problems

• Missing important engagements

• Isolating/secretive about activities

• Disrupted sleep patterns

• Legal problems

• Relationship/marital problems

• Financial problems (e.g. always needing money)

• Conversations dominated by using or drug/alcohol related topics

Emotional Signs of Addiction

• Irritability/Argumentative

• Defensiveness

• Inability to deal with stress

• Loss of interest in activities/people that used to be part of their lives

• Obnoxious

• Silly

• Confused easily

• Denial

• Rationalizing – Offering alibis, excuses, justifications, or other explanations for their using behavior

• Minimization – Admitting superficially to the problem but not admitting to the seriousness or full scope of the behavior or consequences

• Blaming – Placing the blame for the behavior on someone else or some event

• Diversion – Changing the subject to avoid discussing the topic