Signs of Drug and Alcohol Addiction

Drug and alcohol addiction can have devastating effects on the addict and those around them. Luckily, some common signs available on Impact Recovery Center (https://impactrecoverycenter.net/) can help you identify if you or a loved one is addicted to substances. Here are common signs and symptoms of drug and alcohol addiction.

Getting into Trouble with the Law

Getting arrested is not uncommon among addicts. They often engage in risky behaviors to obtain and use drugs or alcohol. The inability to control your addiction will usually result in dangerous activities, taking a severe turn if you don’t seek help. The consequences of getting into trouble with the law can be harsh, including fines, imprisonment, or even a criminal record. The amount you get fined will depend on the severity of your crime.

Mental Health Issues

Alcohol and drug abuse can lead to mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and hallucinations. The symptoms can vary depending on the mental health issue. For example, alcohol can lead to depression and suicidal thoughts, while drugs like cocaine can contribute to psychosis and paranoia. Therefore, the link between drugs and alcohol and mental health issues is firm.

Physical Appearance Changes

Drug and alcohol addiction often results in being malnourished and underweight, resulting in physical appearance changes like bruises and sores. These changes in appearance might be permanent, or they may even start as temporary, but they are usually long-lasting. Other physical signs of drug or alcohol abuse include sleep deprivation, pale skin, swollen eyes, or bloodshot eyes.

Isolation

Drug and alcohol addiction can lead to feelings of isolation from family, friends, and society. This may be one of the signs of alcoholism prevalent in older adults with the disease. Priorities are diverted from family, friends, and society to focus on obtaining and using drugs or alcohol. As the condition worsens, the individual will become more isolated. They may not be able to leave the house for long periods due to addiction’s physical and mental toll. Also, physically and emotionally abusive relationships can occur due to isolation.

Severe Mood Swings

Severe mood swings are common in some drug addictions, including depression or mood swings that can cause suicide attempts or death. The despair and hopelessness associated with drug and alcohol abuse can lead to suicidal thoughts. Mood swings can also cause rage, which is a form of aggression. Severe mood swings are common in certain drug addictions, but they are not exclusive to those addictions. An addiction to any substance can lead to extreme mood swings.

Neglecting Responsibilities

Those suffering from a drug or alcohol addiction may neglect responsibilities such as paying bills, caring for children, or showing up for work. This is attributed to the feeling of extreme guilt and shame from carrying on the addiction. They often feel that the people around them have more important things to worry about and will be able to take care of themselves. However, this behavior is only a way for the person to escape their problems. If they could deal with their responsibilities, they wouldn’t need to drink or use drugs. The only thing that seems to matter is obtaining their “fix.”

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is another sign of drug and alcohol addiction. This is caused by dehydration and malnutrition, resulting in severe headaches, low energy, and chronic aches. If you or a loved one exhibits these signs, it may be time to consider seeking addiction treatment.

Drug and alcohol abuse can have many damaging effects on your physical and mental health and your relationships. The signs listed above are some of the most common symptoms of addiction. If you or a loved one is suffering from chronic pain, isolation, or mood swings, it may be time to seek professional treatment for an alcohol or drug addiction.

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