Below are lists of common signs of addiction. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, GET HELP NOW.
PHYSICAL SIGNS OF ADDICTION
- Over or under-active (depending on the substance)
- Repetitive speech patterns
- Excessive sniffing and runny nose (not attributable to a cold)
- Looking pale or undernourished
- Clothes do not fit the same
- 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
- Relationship/marital problems
- Conversations dominated by using or drug/alcohol related topics
EMOTIONAL SIGNS OF ADDICTION
- Irritability/Argumentative
- Inability to deal with stress
- Loss of interest in activities/people that used to be part of their lives
- Rationalizing – Offering alibis, excuses, justifications, or other explanations for their using behavior
- Minimizing – 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
THE THREE Cs OF ADDICTION
- Loss of control over the amount and frequency of use
- Craving and compulsive using
- Continued use in the face of adverse consequences
Source: MARR Addiction Treatment Center
