Drug Addiction Signs - So What are
the Signs of Drug Addiction?
Think you may be showing drug addiction signs? So what makes you an addict? When do you cross the line from being an
occasional or social user to full blown addiction?
Most of the
signs of alcoholism,
also apply as drug addiction symptoms - so before you do anything make sure you read that.
My feeling with drug addiction though is that if you don't know what you're looking for, its generally harder to recognise
than alcoholism - because we all know what someone looks like when they've been drinking, but we don't all know what the signs
are when someone is high.
So as a parent, friend or loved one of an addict, the symptoms of drug addiction may be more difficult for you to pick up if you
can't tell when someone has been using. The secret here is to look for noticeable changes in behaviour - becoming distant, withdrawn,
having problems at work etc ...
It's also important to understand that you don't have to be a full blown 'junkie' to be a drug addict. I think we sometimes
have this perception created by television and the media that you're only an addict if you're living in a dump and shooting up (injecting
heroin for example if you don't know what shooting up means:-)
Remember that addiction or dependence isn't about what, or how
much you use - the most recognisable drug addiction symptoms boil down to the effect or impact your using drugs has on your life.
When using drugs begins to effect your relationships, your work life, your emotional state (guilt, moodiness, obsession with your
next using session) - you know there is a problem. If you're looking for something more scientific though - then try this
drug addiction symptoms test, which is a very powerful tool in determining addiction.
As I said when discussing the
addiction and alcoholism signs
it's important that you get REAL and be HONEST with yourself about what's going on. The biggest obstacle in recognising the drug addiction
signs and admitting that there may be a problem is DENIAL. And Denial is the biggest obstacle in you or someone you love becoming clean.