Early Signs and Symptoms of Addiction To Look For
It’s vital for a person with an addiction or substance abuse problem to get treatment as soon as possible to reduce the disease’s harmful psychological, physical, and social effects. If you think a loved one in your life is starting to develop an addiction to a harmful substance, getting them help right away could potentially save their life. To better recognize some of the most common early signs and symptoms of addiction to look for, continue reading.
Physical Symptoms
The physical symptoms of addiction will vary depending on the substance the person with the addiction is using. However, people with an addiction typically exhibit a few physical symptoms. Such physical signs include bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, weight loss, sleeplessness, dilated pupils, skin discoloration, unusual body odor, and an overall disheveled appearance. It’s important to note that just because a person exhibits these physical symptoms doesn’t mean they necessarily have an addiction. They may be demonstrating the physical signs listed above for a number of reasons aside from a substance abuse addiction. As such, it’s important to look out for social and psychological symptoms as well.
Social Symptoms
Common social symptoms of addiction include secrecy, missing important events, allowing drugs or alcohol-related topics to dominate conversations, seeking out social situations where drugs and alcohol are present, and emotionally and mentally withdrawing from people.
One of the most common early signs and symptoms of addiction to look for is social isolation. The socially isolating effects addiction can have is one of the reasons why the disease is so challenging to combat. If you notice someone is starting to sever ties with the people in their life who matter most to them, addiction to a harmful substance could be the cause.
Psychological Symptoms
Substance abuse can also have a large effect on the psychological state of a person with an addiction. Examples of psychological symptoms that someone with an addiction may begin to exhibit include turning to substance use to cope with problems or emotions or continuing to use a substance despite health problems or other consequences. Anxiousness, sudden mood swings, irritability, and personality changes are also psychological signs. If a person you know is displaying these changes, they may be developing an addiction to a harmful substance.
