Signs and Symptoms of Drug Addiction

An addict is a person who feels a compelling need to consume a certain (or multiple) substance irrespective of any negative consequences it may cause. The signs and symptoms of drug addiction vary according to the drug/drugs an individual is addicted to. People addicted to opiates and narcotics may often exhibit a set of similar symptoms, which would be quite different from those experienced by people addicted to depressants like alcohol.

Here are some signs and symptoms of drug addiction that you could look for, if you suspect that a loved one may be developing a substance abuse problem of any kind.

According to the National Library of Medicine, these are some signs and symptoms of drug addiction in children that can alert parents.

• Change in friends
• Hanging out with a new group
• Seclusive behavior - long periods spent in self-imposed isolation
• Long, unexplained absences
• Lying and stealing
• Involvement on the wrong side of the law
• Deteriorating family relationships
• Obvious intoxication, delirious, incoherent or unconscious
• Changes in behavior and attitude
• Decrease in school performance

The following are signs and symptoms of drug use and dependence that are specific to each drug.

Cannabis Compounds
Cannabis compounds are found in marijuana and hashish. Signs and symptoms of drug addiction to these substances are an increased sense of visual, auditory and taste perception. Other symptoms include loss of memory, blood shot eyes, a heightened appetite, slowed reflexes and paranoid thinking. An addict may also face physiological changes such as increased blood pressure and rapid heart rate. Decreased coordination and difficulty concentrating are other signs.

Central Nervous System Depressants
Barbiturates and benzodiazepines are examples of central nervous system depressants. Phenobarbital, amobarbital (Amytal) and secobarbital (Seconal) are examples of barbiturates. Benzodiazepines include tranquilizers such as diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), oxazepam (Serax), lorazepam (Ativan), clonazepam (Klonopin) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium). Persons addicted to these substances usually experience intense drowsiness, may speak with a slurred speech and lack coordination. Their memory may be compromised, and are likely to become confused, dizzy and depressed. Their breathing may also become slow and blood pressure may drop.

Central Nervous System Stimulants
This class of drugs includes amphetamines, methamphetamine, cocaine and methylphenidate (Ritalin). The signs and symptoms of dependence on these drugs include a disdain towards food, restlessness, easy annoyance and disability to sleep. The person may seem ecstatic without reason but will become depressed as the drug wears off. An addict will lose weight and have an increased heart rate, blood pressure and temperature. He/she is likely to suffer from nasal congestion, due to damage to the mucous membrane of the nose that takes place after snorting drugs. An addict is also likely to be paranoid.

Designer Drugs
Synthetic compounds such as Ecstasy are similar to amphetamines and produce hallucinations. The signs and symptoms of drug abuse from using designer drugs depends upon the drug being used. Drugs such as LSD, phencyclidine (PCP) and ketamine (special K), a so-called "club drug" produce hallucinogenic effects. The drug Ecstasy produces a mild hallucinogenic effect and a feeling of euphoria. It also causes an increased heart rate, overheating, high blood pressure, kidney and liver toxicity, and memory problems.

Signs and symptoms of LSD use include:

• Hallucinations
• Flashbacks, a re-experience of the hallucinations, even years later
• Greatly impaired perception of reality, for example, interpreting input from one of your senses as another, such as hearing colors
• Tremors
• Permanent mental changes in perception
• High blood pressure
• Rapid heart rate

Signs and symptoms of PCP use include:

• Hallucinations
• Depression
• Euphoria
• Loss of appetite
• Delusions
• Aggressive, possibly violent behavior
• Panic

Signs and symptoms of ketamine use include:

• Increased heart rate
• Loss of memory
• Nausea and vomiting
• Impaired motor function
• Numbness

Inhalants
The signs and symptoms a person experiences change according to the substance that has been inhaled. Some commonly used inhalants are glue, paint thinners, correction fluid, felt tip marker fluid, gasoline, cleaning fluids and household aerosol products. The effect produced by them is brief intoxication and a decreased feeling of inhibition. If used over a long period of time, one may experience seizures and suffer damage to the brain, liver and kidneys. Use of inhalants can also lead to death.

Opioids
Opioids are narcotic, painkilling drugs produced naturally from opium or made synthetically. This class of drugs includes heroin, morphine, codeine, methadone and oxycodone (OxyContin). Signs and symptoms of drug addiction to opioids are lowered sense of pain, confusion, sedation, depression, and slow breathing. One can also check the suspected addict for needle marks.

For concerned parents, signs that their teenager may be addicted to drugs are a sudden drop in school performance as well as their skipping of classes. If your child becomes listless or shows apathy, he/she could be using certain drugs. Other indications are if they suddenly become extremely secretive and spend large amounts of time alone. Also, drastic changes in their behavior and in their relationships with family and friends may point towards drug use. Losing interest in their appearance and constantly sporting a disheveled look may also be due to an addiction. Occurrences like money or items disappearing from your home, or your teenager asking for money without an explanation, are definite indicators that you should investigate into.

Drugs have a very powerful hold over the person using them. For this reason, they usually need intervention and persuasion to start the rehabilitation process and help them on the road to recovery. While quitting is difficult, it is definitely not impossible. A good treatment facility, and adequate support from family and friends, go a long way in the recovery process.