Noticing the Addiction Symptoms on Time

Physical Addiction Symptoms

It’s difficult to hide the physical symptoms of addiction for long. Excessive drug or alcohol abuse can be extremely damaging to a person’s physical health and appearance. Some of the most common physical signs of addiction include:

• Disregard for physical appearance and hygiene. This may include lack of showering, unclean clothes, and unkempt appearance
• Weight loss or gain depending on substance being abused.
• Bloodshot eyes
• Dilated or pinpoint pupils depending on substance being abused
• Frequent or regular blackouts
• Insomnia, headaches, nausea, and other physical ailments when not using
• Flushed skin around face
• Trembling hands or shakes
• Lesions or sores on arms or face
• Track marks on arms or legs from intravenous drug use

Psychological Addiction Symptoms

Addiction is a multifaceted condition that dramatically affects both the physical and psychological wellbeing of the individual. People can become mentally dependent on drugs or alcohol, just as they can become physically dependent. When a person has become psychologically addicted to a substance, they will continue to use even when there are negative repercussions due to their drug or alcohol use. Some common psychological addiction symptoms include:

• Extreme anxiety when not using
• Not being able to cope with life without using
• A mental obsession with the substance
• Depression when not using
• Spending increased time alone
• Feeling restless or on-edge when not using
• Anxiety about how to attain the substance if they run out
• Inability to sleep without using
• Denial that there is a problem

If an addiction to drugs or alcohol is not addressed, it can do irreversible psychological damage. Personality changes, memory loss, confusion, and mild psychosis are all possible in people who don’t get help for their addiction.

Behavioural Addiction Symptoms

When a person is regularly using drugs or alcohol, it isn’t long before the behaviour they display will show so. Addiction to drugs or alcohol can completely change the way the brain functions. Addiction will make people behave in ways they never would normally. Some behaviour symptoms associated with addiction include:

• Spending less time doing activities they once enjoyed
• Problems in relationships
• Neglecting family, work, or school responsibilities
• Lying about or hiding drug or alcohol use
• Social isolation and withdrawal
• Continuing to use even when there are problems because of it
• Engaging in risky behaviour such as driving while intoxicated or having sex with multiple partners

The changes addiction causes to a person’s can be heart breaking to observe. If you or someone you love is experiencing any noticeable changes in behaviour and abusing drugs or alcohol, there is most likely a more serious problem at hand.

What Are Cravings?

Having intense physical or psychological cravings to use drugs or alcohol is one of the most common of addiction symptoms. Cravings can be described as an intense desire to use drugs or alcohol when a person quits. Whether a person tries to stop using on their own or is forced to quit against their will, they will experience intense cravings to use.

The cravings some people get to use drugs or alcohol once they’ve become addicted, can completely take over the way a person thinks and behaves. Cravings can continue to show up even after a person has stopped using drugs and alcohol for years. Cravings must be taken seriously, as they can quickly lead a person to relapse after they’ve quit.

Common Drug and Alcohol Addiction Symptoms at a Glance

If you or someone you love is battling a problem with substance abuse, being able to recognise they symptoms of addiction as quickly as possible is vital. Being able to do so can literally save a person’s life. Drug addiction can be dangerous, with the risk of fatal overdose a very real reality. It’s extremely important to get help if you suspect an addiction to drugs or alcohol. The most common drug and alcohol addiction symptoms at a glance include:

• Withdrawal symptoms
• Cravings
• Problems in relationships
• Financial problems
• Poor judgement and decision making
• Hanging out with unhealthy “friends”
• Neglecting responsibilities
• Withdrawal or social isolation

If you or someone you love has a problem with substance abuse and has displayed any of these common symptoms of addiction, it is a serious indication that they are indeed addicted. And while facing an addiction can be terrifying, there is help available.

Help for People Facing Addiction Symptoms in the UK

Facing an addiction is never easy. We understand this, which is exactly why we’re here to help you. While admitting to a problem with drugs or alcohol is hard, living with it forever is a much bigger problem. When a person doesn’t get help for their addiction, it isn’t a question of if they will ruin their life, it is merely a matter of when. A person need not hit rock bottom before deciding to get the help they need.

If you or someone you love is facing any of the above-mentioned addiction symptoms, it is recommended you call for help immediately. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer any questions you might have about the problems you face because of drugs or alcohol. All calls are confidential. We are here to offer unbiased advice and listen to anything you want to say. If you feel that you’re ready to receive help, we can put you in touch with some of the best rehab centres located throughout the UK. We’re also here simply to listen, if that’s something you prefer.