Lately, the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre’s drug addiction statistics, Indian found adults between the age group 10-17 are more exposed to drugs and substance abuse. Surprisingly, nearly 15 million people in this age group are addicted to drug abuse. Furthermore, according to a Hindu article, at large, more than ten crore people in India are addicted to various narcotics substances.
Well, the foremost action that each one of us has to carry out is understanding drug addiction and identification of such addicted individuals. Yes, only if we’re aware of a person’s addiction, can we help them overcome it. Numerous deaddiction centres offer customized drug deaddiction programs and treatment techniques. But how do we direct the addicts to these centres? Only by knowing the signs of drug addiction.
Thus, in this article, we’ve tried curating as many signs & symptoms of drugs addiction as possible.
Four Important Signs & Symptoms of Drugs Addiction
- Behavioral symptoms
- Physical symptoms
- Cognitive symptoms
- Psychosocial symptoms
Behavioral Symptoms of Drug Addiction
- Trying to get into arguments or conflicts often
- Change in the mindset or attitude toward other people
- Not feeling happy for the things that gave them happiness earlier
- Lack of concentration to perform their roles or responsibilities
- Not mingling with friends or family
- Inertness/ Laziness/ lethargy
- Looks suspicious in every action or step taken
- Hypo- or hyper-activity (Being vice versa)
- Feeling to get isolated instead of socializing
- Failing to perform day-to-day tasks like work, home chores, etc
- Motivated to take impulsive decisions or unwanted risks
- Not engaging in their hobbies or recreational activities
- Inability to coordinate with other people for a particular job or work
Pathetically, a WebMD article reports some addicts may even engage in stealing activities. For example: Stealing money to pay for drugs.
Physical Symptoms of Drug Addiction
- Trembling when performing regular duties
- Incoherent and obscured conversations (speech anxiety)
- Overall poor physical health including sleep, diet, energy, and mind
- Abnormal eyes including pupil sizes
- Shaky talk/ walk/ reaction/ action
- Often show dry mouth
- Nausea/ Vomiting/ Diarrhea
- Needle marks or scars throughout their hands
- Unusually people smell stinkiness when they’re around
- Failure in maintaining hygiene (staying dirty and untidy)
- Unexpected weight gain or loss
- Increase in blood pressure
- Unusual increased or decreased sex drive
- Some people show bloodshot eyes and runny nose
- Changes in appetite patterns (loss, increased, decreased)
- Irregular heartbeat, sleeping, headache, sweating, etc
Cognitive Symptoms of Drug Addiction
Common people can identify the following cognitive symptoms:
- Often get confused unnecessarily
- Fail to pay attention to detail
- Irregularity in thinking patterns
- Always stay in dreamy mode
- Frequent mood swings and actions
- Inability to take important decisions
- Unexpected memory loss
- Deteriorate in critical and logical thinking
- Forget reality and the presence of the moment
With the help of Doctors or Psychologists, you can identify the following cognitive symptoms:
- Psychosis
- Delirium
- Paranoid thinking
- Psychotic actions
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations/ Delusions
Psychosocial Symptoms of Drug Addiction
Psychosocial symptoms are a combination of Psychological (cognitive) and behavioral symptoms of addiction to drugs.
- Sensitive to simple or unnecessary things
- Getting into depression or anxiety more frequently
- Lack of the right attitide at the right time or place
- A feeling of irritation, moodiness, or frustration
- Failing to handle pressure or unfavorable situations
- Decreased self-respect, motivation, and esteem
Conclusion
The effects of drug addiction vary from one addict to other based on the stage or the severity of abuse. However, risk factors for drug addiction mostly remain the same. From family to work to social life, everything falls under risk.
Drug addiction treatment with the help of Psychiatrists, Therapists, and Psychologists is the only solution to save addicts from falling prey again.
Book an appointment with a renowned drugs deaddiction centre
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