For concerned loved ones
What Are the Signs of Drug Addiction?
People struggling with addiction often go to great lengths to hide it. Knowing the physical and behavioral signs can help you understand what is changing in someone you love — and what to do about it.
About this guide
Signs of drug addiction
Addiction can affect anyone, regardless of background. The initial decision to take drugs is usually voluntary, but with repeated use, tolerance forms — one of the first tell-tale signs of a developing dependency. Over time the brain changes in ways that inhibit self-control and the ability to resist urges.
Understanding the signs of addiction gives you a better sense of the situation. Some of these signs can come from other things, like an underlying mental health disorder or a medical issue — you don't want to jump to conclusions, but you also don't want to ignore what you are seeing. Though your loved one may try to hide their addiction, the signs tend to appear more and more as it worsens, and it is best to get ahead of the problem early.
Ambrosia's addiction treatment programs in West Palm Beach and Singer Island pair medical care with therapy, family programming, and peer support — because addiction ripples out to the whole family.
Physical signs of addiction
Addiction is a disease, and like other diseases it produces physical symptoms you can see:
- Bloodshot eyes, or pupils larger or smaller than usual
- Runny nose or sniffling
- Tremors, shakiness, or slurred speech
- Strange odors on the person or in their room or car
- Sudden weight change or change of appetite
- Sleeping too little, too much, or at irregular hours
- Trouble with coordination, or being unable to sit still
- Extreme tiredness
- Needle marks
- Sloppy appearance or declining personal hygiene
- Drug paraphernalia — vape pens, pipes, needles
Behavioral signs of addiction
Everyone's mood fluctuates now and then. What matters is a pattern of changes that cannot be explained another way — behaviors that make your loved one seem like a different person:
- A change in primary friendships, and reluctance to introduce new friends
- Secretive behavior about what they are doing and who they are with
- Withdrawing from the family and spending more time alone
- Mood swings, irritability, or agitation
- Loss of interest in hobbies and enjoyable activities
- Declining performance or disciplinary issues at work or school
- Legal issues or dangerous behaviors, like reckless driving
- Not fulfilling responsibilities at work or home
- Asking for money or unexplained financial problems
Why some people become addicted while others do not
No single factor predicts addiction. According to MedlinePlus, whether someone becomes addicted depends on many genetic, environmental, and developmental factors. Researchers in the field estimate that 40 to 60 percent of a person's likelihood of becoming addicted lies in genetic and environmental factors combined. Adolescents are at particular risk because the prefrontal cortex — the part of the brain behind judgment and self-control — is still maturing.
- Family history of substance use disorders or alcoholism
- Underlying mental health issues, like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder
- Childhood abuse, trauma, or a dysfunctional family
- Trouble fitting in or forming meaningful friendships
- Peer pressure or being around others who use drugs
- Using drugs at a young age
What to do with what you have noticed
Your loved one did not begin using drugs planning to become addicted — they may have been self-medicating chronic pain, stress, or mental illness. When physical and behavioral signs appear together, it is time to act.
Treatment works. Because drugs alter brain chemistry, professionals help people manage triggers and develop ways of dealing with daily stress without turning to substances. Risk factors and underlying issues need to be addressed in treatment too — otherwise replacement behaviors and relapse become more likely. That is why care that treats addiction and mental health together matters.
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