20 Signs of Drug Addiction

20 Signs of Drug Addiction

Signs of drug addiction can be behavioural or physical. Behavioural symptoms show up in the way someone manages their emotions, as well as interpersonal interactions. Physical symptoms are those that impact the way someone looks.

Drugs can also cause acute psychological symptoms that can only be experienced by the person who is addicted. We will talk more about the signs of drug intoxication later, but first, here are the 20 most common indicators of addiction.

1. Sudden Mood or Personality Changes

It is normal to experience shifting moods, especially at certain times in life, like puberty or menopause. Grieving is another time when people commonly experience shifting mood states. However, in these cases, mood changes are temporary.

Lasting shifts in mood that affect someone’s personality can be a sign of addiction. Addiction impacts an area of the brain called the amygdala. The amygdala helps to regulate mood states, among other things.

Over time, drug-induced changes to the amygdala and other brain areas can lead to mood disorders. Symptoms may arise when the person is intoxicated or during withdrawals. Drug-induced mood disorders can be permanent, but most will resolve with sobriety.

2. Unexplained Anxiety or Depression

Everyone feels anxious or depressed every now and then; they are among the most common mental health symptoms experienced around the globe. Yet, when these symptoms arise suddenly and without explanation, they could be symptomatic of drug use.

Drugs cause anxiety and depression for the same reason they impact mood. In addition to its role in mood states like depression, the amygdala also regulates feelings of stress, including anxiety.

Fluctuating levels of chemicals called neurotransmitters in the amygdala are responsible for these changes. Drugs cause neurotransmitter release in the brain. Over time, the brain becomes less sensitive to these neurotransmitters’ effects, leading to low mood, anxiety, and other mental health symptoms.

3. Changes in Physical Appearance

Taking care of one’s physical appearance is an act of self-care. When people become depressed, they may start to neglect their appearance. Whether due to depression or not, ignoring this act of self-care can also be a sign of drug use.

Addiction hijacks the brain’s motivation centre. These changes to the brain make the person believe drugs are crucial for survival. Their focus becomes obtaining and using drugs, not taking care of their physical appearance.

Drug use can also have a more direct impact on physical appearance. For example, studies have found flushed cheeks, redness around the mouth or nose, and acne are common facial changes among people with severe drug addictions.

4. Weight Changes

Gaining and losing weight is a normal part of life for most people. Sudden, unexplained, and significant weight gain or loss is not. Severe weight fluctuations may signal a mental health disorder, including addiction.

Recall that drugs hijack the brain’s motivation centre. As a result, the person feels more motivated to seek drugs than to participate in healthy activities like cooking a nutritious meal. Weight loss may then be a consequence.

Some drugs cause weight loss more directly due to their effects on appetite and nutrient absorption. For example, cocaine, meth, and alcohol use are all known to suppress the appetite. Other drugs can reduce the body’s ability to absorb nutrients from food.

5. Extreme Fatigue or Laziness

Fatigue can be a normal part of daily life or a sign of an underlying health issue. However, it can also be caused by abusing drugs. In other cases, withdrawing or ‘coming down from’ drugs can lead to a lack of energy.

Alcohol, cannabis, and opioids have depressant qualities, meaning they reduce activity in the central nervous system. As such, abuse of these drugs may lead to sleepiness and incoordination.

Stimulants have the opposite effect. They increase activity in the brain and spinal cord. When withdrawing from these drugs, people may feel extreme fatigue.

6. Isolation or Withdrawing from Normal Socialization

Isolating oneself is not normal and can be indicative of a mental illness like substance use disorder. Sometimes, people isolate themselves from others so they can use drugs or overcome the effects of drug use, a criterion for addiction.

Other times, withdrawing from friends and family is a symptom of the brain changes drug abuse can cause. Drug abuse impacts the brain’s so-called reward centre. The reward centre is responsible for motivating people to do things they enjoy.

When the reward centre gets hijacked by drugs, it’s hard to find pleasure from anything else, including seeking the company of others.

7. Loss of Interest in Friends or Hobbies

Changing friend groups or picking up new hobbies is a common human experience, especially in young adulthood. However, if a loved one has no explanation for their sudden change in friends or hobbies, they may be using drugs.

Loss of interest can be a symptom of depression, a common side effect of drug abuse. Even when depression is not present, someone may lose interest because the reward system stops responding to anything other than the drug of abuse.

8. Possessing Drug Paraphernalia

One of the most obvious signs of drug abuse is paraphernalia. Paraphernalia is all the items and equipment needed to consume a drug. Examples of drug paraphernalia include:

• Bongs or pipes
• Small spoons
• Empty pill bottles
• Glass vials
• Lighters
• Straws

Loved ones can also look out for items people with addictions use to conceal their drug use. For example, mouthwash, breath mints, and eye drops are common.

9. Struggling With Limits

Alcohol and cannabis are legal in Canada, and just because someone uses these substances does not automatically mean they have an addiction. However, struggling to limit consumption of these substances may be a sign of a problem.

Impaired control of the use of a substance is a criterion for addiction in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Specifically, using a substance in larger amounts or for more extended periods than intended is a sign of impaired control.

Another sign is if the person wants to stop using a substance or has tried and failed to cut back on substance use. Experiencing these two criteria alone is sufficient for a mild substance use disorder diagnosis.

10. Defensiveness

As we’ve discussed in other articles on our blog, defensiveness is a common reaction to being confronted about addiction.

Understanding defensiveness requires us to consider again the brain changes drug use brings about. Over time, the brain begins to view drugs the same way it does food and water: they are necessary for survival.

Imagine if someone’s ability to obtain food were threatened. The individual would defend their access to this resource at all costs. People who are addicted to drugs feel similarly when their supply is threatened, but even more so, considering drugs are even more rewarding than food.

11. Excessive Amounts of Scabs or Unusual Bruises

Some people are naturally clumsy, but if a normally well-coordinated person has excessive scabs or bruises, it could be a sign of addiction. For example, people who abuse meth often pick at their skin, leaving open wounds.

Other drugs affect coordination. Alcohol and certain prescription drugs like benzodiazepines can cause drowsiness and unsteadiness. People who abuse these substances are more prone to injuries and bruises.

Loved ones can also look out for signs of shooting up a drug. Minor bruises, puncture marks, or ‘track marks’ on the arms or other places where veins are readily accessible could be a signal of addiction to heroin or other injectable drugs.

12. Neglected Hygiene

Good personal hygiene is crucial for preventing illnesses and avoiding infections. Practicing good hygiene includes washing one’s hands throughout the day, bathing or showering frequently, and caring for the hair, nails, and teeth.

Being busy or stressed can take a toll on personal hygiene. However, if someone suddenly starts to neglect their hygiene persistently and without explanation, it could indicate a substance use disorder.

For example, a 2019 study looked at the oral hygiene of people with and without drug addictions. 56% of the addicts studied had signs of gum disease, and 20% had calculus, an early sign of cavities and tooth decay.

13. A New Circle of Friend

Making new friends is a part of life. However, someone who suddenly drops their old friends for people they are reluctant to bring around loved ones could mean they are addicted to drugs.

Someone who is addicted to substances does not want to have to explain their drug use to others. They also want to have easy access to substances of abuse. Their new friends can enable both of these habits.

Keeping loved ones away from unsupportive friends is crucial for getting them into treatment and boosting long-term success rates. Positive social support from people who care about the addict’s health is one of the best ways to promote change.

14. Changes in Sleep Habits

Some medications can help with insomnia and other sleep problems. Other people self-medicate with drugs to help them sleep, and while they may help in the short term, most substances end up disrupting sleep in the long run.

Alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, heroin, amphetamines, and meth are all known to cause sleep disruptions. They may alter the amount of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep someone receives.

NREM and REM sleep are essential for processes like memory formation and healing. Not getting enough of any stage of sleep can also put the body in a state of stress, which may increase the risk of future drug use.

15. Relationship Issues Related to Drug Addiction

Relationship changes are normal and can even be healthy, but constant interpersonal turmoil can be symptomatic of addiction. In worst-case scenarios, loved ones can lose trust because of the addict’s lying, stealing, or acting out.

Addiction can also negatively impact relationships if the person with an addiction doesn’t see the impact their substance use has on their life. Loved ones who do see the connection may feel frustrated or hurt that the person with the addiction won’t seek help.

Up to 60% of intimate partner violence incidents involve substance use or abuse. Some drugs cause addiction during intoxication, while others make people feel on edge and impulsive when coming down.

16. Changes in Daily Routines and Schedules

The majority of people, especially adults, follow a daily routine. If a loved one’s day-to-day schedule suddenly changes, it’s a reason for pause. Changing routines could be a sign of a mental health problem or addiction.

Sleep schedule changes are perhaps the most obvious. Someone who typically sleeps through the night may show signs of insomnia. Conversely, someone usually alert during the day may become excessively lazy or fatigued for no obvious reason.

Stimulants (also known as ‘uppers’) can interfere with sleep. They include cocaine, meth, and prescription amphetamines. Depressants like alcohol and cannabis can cause drowsiness.

17. Financial Problems or Stealing from Loved Ones

Drugs are expensive, and many people with addictions develop tolerance. Tolerance means the person needs increasing amounts of the drug to achieve the desired effects.

To fund their habit, someone with a substance use problem might drain their savings account. If they can’t access enough money on their own, the individual may resort to stealing from loved ones.

A loved one who constantly asks for money or, worse, takes it without your consent may have a drug problem. Addiction is even more likely if the individual can’t explain or won’t tell you why they need the money when asked.

18. Problems With Work, School, or the Law

Grief, depression, and other factors can cause someone to struggle at work or school. Yet, if these issues come alongside some of the other behavioural and physical signs on this list, addiction is the more likely culprit.

Another criterion used to diagnose addiction is that the person’s substance use interferes with their work, school, or home obligations. Another one is that the person continues to use substances anyway despite legal or social consequences.

One reason why people with addictions struggle to quit despite these negative outcomes is withdrawal. Detoxing from drugs can be uncomfortable at least and excruciatingly painful at most.

19. Habitual Lying

We all tell lies time and time again. Habitual lying, though, is not normal. It can be a sign of a personality disorder, but many people with substance use disorders also lie frequently.

Often, people with addictions lie to conceal the extent of their drug use. They may lie about where they are going when they want to use substances. Someone with an addiction may also lie about how much they use or even about quitting.

Individuals with drug addictions do not lie because they don’t love their partner, friends, or family members. Still, loved ones must know when and how to take space if the lies interfere with their health and well-being.

20. Bizarre or Erratic Behaviour

Another part of the brain affected by substance use is the prefrontal cortex. The prefrontal cortex is one of the most important brain areas, as it controls high-level thinking skills like planning, problem-solving, decision-making, and impulse control.

Poor impulse control can make someone vulnerable to erratic behaviour. The person may make impulsive purchases, partake in risky sexual encounters, or take an excessive amount of drugs. The prefrontal cortex is the last brain area to mature, making young adults more vulnerable to drug-related impulsivity.

Another reason for bizarre behaviour is hallucinogen use. Hallucinogens are drugs that can cause delusions and hallucinations. They can also impact someone’s emotional and mood states and perception of reality.

Signs of Being High

The signs of drug intoxication differ depending on the drug in question. Below, we will outline some of the signs of being high on some of the most commonly abused drugs in Canada: cannabis, stimulants, and opioids.

Signs of Being High on Cannabis

Cannabis may be legal in Canada, but this does not mean someone can’t get addicted to it. These are the most common physical indicators that someone is high on cannabis:

• Red eyes
• Decreased coordination
• Slowed reaction times
• Increased appetite

Paranoia, trouble concentrating, and difficulty remembering are behavioural signs of being high on cannabis to watch out for.

Signs of Being High on Stimulants

There are legal and illegal stimulants. Legal stimulants include amphetamines and methylphenidate; illegal stimulants are drugs like meth and cocaine. Signs that may indicate someone is high on stimulants include:

• Rapid speech
• Dilated pupils
• Nasal congestion
• Decreased appetite

Aggression, irritability, restlessness, agitation, and paranoia are common psychological effects of stimulant intoxication.

Signs of Being High on Opioids

Opioids can also be legal or illegal. For example, heroin is an illicit opioid, but medications like morphine, codeine, and oxycodone are illegal opioids. Someone may be high on opioids if they present with the following:

• Slurred speech
• Constricted pupils
• Trouble with coordination
• Clammy skin
• Rinny nose

Lack of awareness, drowsiness, attention and memory deficits, confusion, and depression are other signs to watch out for.

Why Do People Do Drugs?

People use drugs because drugs make them feel good. Humans are wired to seek out pleasurable experiences and avoid painful ones. Drugs can be pleasurable, help us avoid uncomfortable memories or situations, or both.

Why do people use drugs, specifically, instead of finding other ways to feel good? Here are some top reasons.

Escalating Use

Many people start out as casual drug users. They may not have a problem at first, but with continuing use, their brain and body start to rely on the substance to feel normal. Then, they may try to quit, only to experience painful withdrawal symptoms that lead them back to their drug of abuse.

Self-Medicating

Others start taking illicit drugs to self-medicate for undiagnosed mental health conditions. Unfortunately, these people don’t realize drugs can exacerbate mental health symptoms instead of helping them.

Trauma Avoidance

Another reason for drug use is trauma. People may abuse drugs to forget about terrible things that have happened to them in the past, but that just makes it more difficult to overcome trauma and move forward.

Prescription Addiction

Finally, some individuals become addicted to drugs after receiving a valid prescription. Ignoring a doctor’s guidelines around taking medications can increase the risk of addiction. Sadly, even using a medication exactly as prescribed has the potential to cause dependence.

Changing Addictive Attitudes

No matter how addiction comes about, it is crucial for loved ones to understand substance use disorders are a chronic disease. Addicts do not choose to use drugs. Instead, their brains become hard-wired to seek and use the drug at all costs.

Despite these facts, society tends to view people with addictions in a negative light. Sadly, this stigma can make convincing an addict to recognize their problem and seek help extremely challenging.

Yet, society is not the only source of negative attitudes toward addiction. Even medical providers and mental health experts can hold prejudice toward people with substance use problems.

For that reason, it is crucial individuals with drug addictions seek treatment from an empathetic and trustworthy program provider, such as Simcoe Addiction and Mental Health in Ontario.

Substance Abuse Is a Treatable Disease

Signs of drug addiction range from sudden mood or personality changes to habitual lying and run-ins with the law. If you recognize these signs of addiction in your loved one, remember that treatment can help.

Are you searching for a compassionate treatment centre where you or a loved one can recover in peace? Simcoe Addiction and Mental Health is a comprehensive treatment facility in Ontario.

Contact us to inquire about our expert addiction treatment services.