Drug Addiction: The Signs and Withdrawal Symptoms

Drug addiction is very common in our society and it crosses all races, ethnic groups, and social classes. Suburban, middle class people are using more and more illicit drug use and the signs of drug addiction may not be widely recognized or known in these communities. There are a number of different signs and symptoms relating to which type of drug a person is using. More noticeable signs are associated to certain drugs. However, there are some signs and symptoms that are associated with all drug use. The information listed will discuss symptoms of illicit or illegal drugs instead of the legal drugs in the same category.

The common signs are:

Weight loss – A loss of appetite occurs when someone is addicted to drugs due to the body’s constant craving of the drug. An appetite for the drug exceeds a normal appetite for food. 

Paranoia – Although this happens more frequently in certain drugs than others. Paranoia is a common occurrence in a person addicted to drugs. The drug disrupts normal mental functions creating an obsessive thought that someone is out to get them. Drugs impair normal brain functions that confuse the brain’s senses and perceptions. 

Preoccupation – Drug addicts become preoccupied and often desperate in searching and acquiring drugs. Many will go to any lengths to obtain the drug of choice and that includes stealing, lying, fraud, and even violent crimes. A drug addict will likely steal from anyone or ask for money with no intentions on paying anyone back. Therefore, relationships, employment, health and hygiene often suffer.

Here are the signs associated with the use of specific drugs. Withdrawal can take place once the “high” effect of the drug wears off, not when one tries to overcome the drug addiction.