Drug Abuse Or Drug Addiction - Common Physical Signs

If you want to know if you or a loved-one is indeed an alcoholic or drug addict If you've ever faced a drug addiction or know someone that has, it can be a terrible ordeal to go through. Most of us have never gone through it though and don't know the first thing about dealing with a drug addiction. Whether it's yourself or a family member, there are certain signs of drug addiction that you can detect early on and later on as the addiction sets in.

Most people think alcoholism or drug addiction is a function of how much you drink or how often you use drugs. I don't think that's the case however. It will of course be obvious to you at certain times that a person is suffering from alcoholism or drug addiction. A drug addict for example will be so advanced in their addiction that their life simply revolves around their habit and doing anything else is almost impossible.

Similarly the alcoholic will be so far down the road with their alcoholism that they don't have a life anymore - it's totally fallen apart - relationships, job, practically everything.However, many suffering from alcoholism and drug addiction, aren't that advanced yet with their addiction. Therefore you want to recognise the symptoms of drug addiction and alcoholism early.

So the most important sign of alcoholism or drug addiction - is that your life starts to become effected by your using or drinking - and that you are increasingly struggling to cope with things on a daily basis.

Increase in prescription drug use

One of the most tell-tale signs of prescription drug dependency is an escalation in use. The drugs they are taking are no longer working as effectively, so they may increase the dose without first consulting a doctor.

Personality change

A common side effect of prescription drug abuse is a change in overall personality. The afflicted may isolate themselves from loved ones or withdraw from social interaction entirely.

Forgetfulness

Most people with a drug dependency will show the negative side effects of the medication they are on fairly quickly, and more noticeably, with abuse.

People who abuse or are addicted to drugs become masters of the cover up. They may provide plausible excuses for their behavior and physical state. The giveaway is that over time, the physical symptoms will get worse, it is important to stay alert to changes over time when trying to identify signs of drug abuse and drug addiction.