Call 888-647-0579 to speak with an alcohol or drug abuse counselor.

Who Answers?

Top 10 Signs of Addiction

Are you concerned that a loved one is addicted to drugs and/or alcohol? If so, you must know the signs and symptoms of addiction, as this will allow you to pinpoint the problem and eventually get this person the help he or she needs.

Some signs of addiction are easy to see, while others can remain hidden for an extended period of time. Furthermore, many people go to great lengths to hide the signs of addiction, doing their best to keep these out of plain sight, no matter what it takes.

Top Signs of Addiction

Even though no two people are the same, there are signs of addiction that often times make their way to the forefront. Below are 10 of the top signs:

Being socially withdrawn and giving up recreational activities are two potential signs of addiction.

Withdrawal symptoms. When somebody attempts to stop taking a particular substance, his or her body may go through withdrawal. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, depression, and irritability among others.
Addiction continues despite the known risks. Even when somebody is aware that addiction has taken over their life, they may continue to abuse a substance because they are unable to stop.
Willingness to take risks. Those who are addicted to drugs will often take risks that they never would have considered in the past. This can include risks such as drinking and driving.
Social sacrifices. This is when somebody gives up their social life because they are focusing most of their time, attention, and money on substance abuse.
Recreational sacrifices. In the event that somebody is addicted to drugs or alcohol, they may withdraw from recreational activities and hobbies that they once enjoyed.
Trouble with the law. People who have avoided trouble with the law in the past may find themselves facing a variety of legal issues once they become involved with a substance abuse problem.
Trouble at school or work. Students often times find themselves missing school. Employees often times find that they are not showing up at work when they should. Even when attendance is not an issue, struggles at school or work can become a problem.
Financial difficulties. Somebody with an addiction will go to extreme lengths to get their hands on the substance they desire. This often includes spending an excess amount of money.
Relationship trouble. These are common among people with an addiction, especially if the person is not willing to admit they have a problem.
Denial. Many people who are addicted are in denial, not wanting to admit that they have a problem and require help.

These are the top 10 signs of addiction, with the possibility of many others rearing their ugly head.

More Treatment & Detox Articles

Alcohol on TV 'prompts drinking'

People are more likely to turn to alcohol while watching TV if they see drinking being portrayed in films or adverts, a study shows. The research, led by a team from Radboud University in the Netherlands, monitored the behaviour of 80 young people while they watched television. Researchers found those who saw lots of alcohol….

Is Compulsive Shopping A Mental Disorder?

There is little doubt that compulsive shopping can cause severe impairment and distress, two key criteria for formal recognition as a mental disorder. But the rest remains up for grabs: Is compulsive shopping a biologically driven disease of the brain, a learned habit run amok, an addiction in its own right or a symptom of….

Use science to bolster ‘just say no’ message

With high school graduation season in full swing, many parents are worried that alcohol may play a harmful role in their teens’ celebrations. An organization that studies teen drinking says parents should assume their teens will drink, and should use science to try to dissuade them. The Science Inside Alcohol Project advises parents to explain….

Fetal alcohol exposure affects teenage drinking behavior

According to scientists, there is a link between exposure to alcohol in the womb and an attraction to its smell during teenage life. The researchers state that a fetus can recall and be drawn to odor stimuli from what its mother ingests during pregnancy. A new study from the State University of New York found….

Treating teens and adults for substance abuse

The number of teenagers and adults influenced under the substance abuse is greatly increasing worldwide. Substance abuse largely affects the physical and the mental state of a person. Substance abuse affects the body of an individual depending on various the factors like the age, gender, quantity of the drugs taken on regular basis etc. Therefore,….