Symptoms of addiction

Description

Addiction symptoms can be many and varied. Here are several, derived from a range of sources:

Symptom	Example
Increasing use	Indulging more and more often and in steadily greater quantities
Failure to fulfil major role obligations (at work, school, home, etc.)	Absences, poor work quality, punishments, accidents, neglect
Indulgence in physically hazardous situations	Indulging whilst driving or operating machinery
Legal problems	Arrest for use or sale of addictive substance, or for antisocial behavior
Quitting problems	Unwilling or unable to give up the addictive action
Relationship problems	Argument, violent behavior, lack of attention to maintaining the relationship
Preoccupation	Spending time thinking or talking about the addiction (when not indulging)
Retreating inwards	Not joining in activities with others, retreating to own room for long periods
Change of social circles	Away from 'normal' friends and towards other addicts or supporters
Emotional changes	Anger outbursts, anxiety, intolerance of others, depression
Physiological changes	Periods of sweating, pupil dilation, clammy skin. Also bursts of being energetic
Non-verbal signs	Slurring words, difficulty speaking, lack of physical coordination, moving slowly or quickly
Sleep changes	Sleeping significantly more or less or at odd times
Weight changes	Increase or decrease in weight over a short period
Concealment	Hiding bottles, substances, injection scars on arms. Also lying about behavior and denial
Financial problems	Running out of money, selling things, borrowing or stealing

Discussion

These are just a few of the possible effects that various forms of addiction can cause. The person is unlikely to show all symptoms, but if there are several then you might want to investigate further.

You can also look for causes where the person is escaping something in life, such as grief over a loved-one's death, problems at work or financial problems. Increases in general stress can lead to them trying to escape through various means, and then becoming addicted to the escape mechanism.

Note that the table above is generic and does not break down into particular addictions. For effects such as of particular drugs, look to specific information.

Note also that these effects can indicate addiction but they are not definitive. If you suspect someone is addicted, it is important that you get professional advice and support (particularly if you or others are suffering at the hands of the supposed addict).

Symptoms of addiction

Description

Discussion

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