Drug addiction affects both the body and mind, making professional care essential. When these symptoms persist or occur together, they often signal the need for immediate help from trained professionals. Recognizing the physical signs of drug use is just the beginning – what comes next is equally important. The twelve signs we’ve discussed, from changes in the eyes to muscle weakness, emphasize how early detection can lead to better outcomes. Common symptoms include chest pain, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, and fatigue. Over time, chronic drug use can lead to lasting heart conditions such as hypertension, cardiomyopathy, and even heart failure 3.
Other life-changing complications
If you do start using the drug, it’s likely you’ll lose control over its use again — even if you’ve had treatment and you haven’t used symptoms of drug use the drug for some time. Physical addiction appears to occur when repeated use of a drug changes the way your brain feels pleasure. The addicting drug causes physical changes to some nerve cells (neurons) in your brain. People struggling with addiction usually deny they have a problem and hesitate to seek treatment. An intervention presents a loved one with a structured opportunity to make changes before things get even worse and can motivate someone to seek or accept help.
- List specific examples of your loved one’s behavior that have you worried and urge them to seek help.
- Substances may be illegal or legal, such as prescription medication.
- The social signs of drug addiction are often diffused but can extensively affect an individual’s relationships and social interactions.
- The clinical manifestation of abrupt cessation of a substance of abuse is withdrawal.
Is Drug Relapse Common During Recovery From Addiction?
When the person no Alcoholics Anonymous longer participates in anything but drug use, it is a clear sign of drug abuse. Further decreased performance in work or school and a vast change in mood and sleep are also signs of drug abuse. Addiction refers to the physical and mental cycle of intoxication, withdrawal, and craving.
Marijuana Addiction Treatment and Rehab In Ohio
If you suspect that someone may be using drugs it is important not to give them money because it will be enabling their addiction. Because of this, someone who is normally easy going and friendly can become irritable and short-tempered while under the influence or experiencing withdrawal. If someone appears extremely agitated, unable to sit still and becomes snappy for no apparent reason there is a good chance something is going on to cause this. This can create an unhealthy drive to seek more pleasure from the substance or activity and less from healthier activities.
- The severity of addiction is only partially related to the amount of substance a person uses.
- You may need to initiate an intervention if your approach does not yield any positive results.
- Additionally, changes in appetite, both improved or reduced, regularly accompany drug dependency, reflecting the frame’s altered nutritional needs and hormonal imbalances.