Signs and Symptoms of Drug Addiction

Substance abuse is a common problem in the United States. According to research, 50% of people aged 12 or older have tried illicit drugs at least once.[1] However, just because you have tried a drug doesn’t mean you have an addiction. 

You might find yourself wondering how to tell if you are dealing with a substance use disorder. Oftentimes, it is difficult to spot the signs of addiction in yourself. That said, there are plenty of ways to determine if you need help for substance abuse.

Some of the most common symptoms of addiction include using more than you intended to, wanting to quit but being unsuccessful, and getting into risky situations when you use drugs. You might also experience urges or cravings to abuse drugs and deal with withdrawal symptoms when you aren’t under the influence.

In this article, you will learn:

• What is drug addiction
• What factors make you more likely to develop an addiction
• What are the signs and symptoms of drug addiction

What is Drug Addiction?

Substance abuse is a pattern of drug or alcohol use that is excessive. When you engage in repeated substance abuse, you are likely to develop an addiction. Drug addiction is characterized by continuing to use drugs despite facing negative social, psychological, and physical consequencs. 

Unfortunately, drug addiction can lead to a host of long-term issues. You have a risk of developing health conditions like organ damage and even certain cancers. It is also common to experience mental health issues, financial problems, legal trouble, and isolation from friends and family members. 

In other words, drug addiction is a condition that causes you to continue abusing substances despite the harm they are doing in your life. Even though you want to stop, you feel like you cannot. Thankfully, addiction treatment programs can provide you with the tools and support you need to recover from drug addiction. 

What are the Risk Factors for Addiction?

There is not a single cause that determines whether or not you will develop a drug addiction. However, there are a variety of factors that increase your risk of suffering from substance abuse, including:

• Lack of parental involvement as a child
• Lack of healthy coping mechanisms
• Low self-esteem or self-worth
• Experiencing financial trouble 
• Being exposed to violence or trauma at an early age
• Experiencing abuse or neglect
• Peer pressure
• Easy and early access to drugs and alcohol
• Family history of addiction or mental illness
• Having an underlying mental health condition

While these factors make you more likely to develop a substance use disorder, that does not mean you have to. By avoiding drug use and excessive alcohol consumption, you can prevent yourself from going down a dark path. 

Signs of Addiction 

Mental health professionals and addiction specialists use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) to diagnose addiction. If you have two or more symptoms, you qualify to be diagnosed with a substance use disorder.

According to the DSM, the symptoms of addiction include:[3]

• Taking a drug for longer or in larger amounts than you intended to
• Wanting to cut down or stop using a drug but being unsuccessful 
• Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the use of a drug
• Having cravings and urges to abuse a substance 
• Failing to meet responsibilities at work, school, or home because of substance abuse 
• Continuing to use a drug even though it is causing relationship issues
• Losing interest in previously enjoyed activities because of drug use 
• Using substances in risky situations, such as while driving 
• Continuing to use drugs despite experiencing physical and mental health problems 
• Having to increase the dose of a drug to experience the desired effect 
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop using a drug 

The main three signs of drug addiction are tolerance, cravings, and withdrawal symptoms. If you experience these effects, you need to seek professional help. Drug rehab centers will offer medical detox, evidence-based behavioral therapies, and relapse prevention planning to help you recover. 

What are the Dangers of Addiction?

Addiction can wreak havoc on your mind and body, causing it to be difficult to cope with daily life. You could experience intense arguments with loved ones, significant financial troubles, increased symptoms of mental illness, and even physical health conditions like organ damage. 

The specific health risks you experience will depend on what type of drug you are abusing. For example, methamphetamine is known to cause malnutrition and severe dental decay. On the other hand, opioids can lead to life-threatening overdoses and sudden death. 

Even alcohol addiction can lead to significant health risks. For example, the CDC reports that “About 178,000 people die from excessive alcohol use each year in the United States.”[4]

The dangers of addiction are far-reaching. If you or a loved one suffers from drug addiction, it’s time to seek professional help. 

Find Help for Alcohol and Drug Addiction 

If you are struggling with drug addiction, the time to seek help is now. At The Healthier Choice Recovery, we can provide you with individualized and evidence-based services to help you recover. For example, we offer medical detox, behavioral therapies, relapse prevention planning, and more.

Contact us today to get connected with a top-rated drug addiction treatment center. 

References:

1. The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS): Drug Abuse Statistics 
2. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Risk and Protective Factors
3. Door County Website: Criteria for Substance Use Disorders DSM-V
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Alcohol Use and Your Health