In the Know: Signs of Drug Addiction

It is a belief among medical experts that drug addiction is a disease that can be treated. The All Psych website classified substance abuse and substance dependence as psychiatric disorders and that their treatment should include social support from friends and family. Since your help is needed, you should be there for your friend or loved one if they are already exhibiting signs of drug addiction.

Signs of Drug Addiction: The Science Behind It

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, drug addiction is defined as a chronic disease of the brain distinguished by non-stop drug use and compulsive drug seeking behavior. Due to prolonged use of the drugs, the structure of the brain is altered and these changes may lead to addiction.

Signs of Drug Addiction: Why Take It In the First Place?

Once the person is already showing signs of drug addiction, he or she may not stop using drugs unless a concerned friend or loved one intervenes. You may not understand why he or she still wants to take drugs even if it is apparent that the substance is already wreaking a havoc in his or her life. Nevertheless, people take drugs because they want to feel good, they want to feel better, they want to increase their performance and the old excuse, they got curious.

Signs of Drug Addiction: Commonly Abused Drugs

Depending on what type of drug was abused, a person can exhibit a variety of signs of drug addiction. The Mayo Clinic lists the different kinds of drugs and their signs of abuse and dependence:

Stimulants – euphoria, being paranoid, having trouble sleeping

Depressants – difficulty in talking, coordination problems, dizziness and drowsiness

Hallucinogens – hallucinations, perception changes, abrupt change in behavior

Club drugs – heightened senses, amnesia, possible loss of consciousness

Whether your friend is still in high school or working in an office already, you need to get help if you want your loved one to lead a drug-free life. Please call us and avail of our services if you see signs of addiction in your friend or family member. Your intervention and our guidance may be what he or she needs in order to live a sober life.

Do not ignore signs of drug addiction

Contact us today and speak to a qualified counselor

Call: (877) 634-6079 – Open 24/7

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