Signs, Consequences, and Red Flags of Dependency: Recognizing and Understanding Its Manifestations
In the complex world of substance use disorders, identifying the early signs can be crucial in seeking timely intervention and support. While symptoms may vary depending on the substance, many common patterns emerge across different drug types.
General Early Signs of Addiction
Behavioural changes are often the first indicators of an addiction. These can include increased secrecy about activities or whereabouts, withdrawal from family, friends, or social and recreational activities, sudden shifts in mood, irritability, or aggression, changes in social circles, especially associating with new or secretive friends, lying about substance use or minimising its extent, pressuring others to use substances, financial instability, frequent requests for money, or selling personal belongings, and a decline in performance at work or school, frequent absences, or job loss.
Physical signs may also be evident, such as unexplained weight loss or gain, poor hygiene, changes in sleep patterns, bloodshot eyes, frequent nosebleeds, or other unexplained physical changes, tremors, changes in reflexes, or physical agitation, increased anxiety, depression, or mood swings, paranoia or hallucinations (in advanced cases or with certain drugs), compulsive behaviours, like skin picking or repetitive movements, and feelings of hopelessness or suicidal thoughts.
Early Signs for Specific Substances
Crystal Meth, for instance, can present with physical signs such as sudden weight loss, dilated pupils, increased energy and manic behaviour, decreased appetite, excessive sweating, rapid eye movements or twitching, acne or facial sores from scratching, and behavioural signs like hyperactivity, insomnia or unnatural sleep patterns, bursts of productivity followed by burnout, and unusual spending habits.
Cocaine use may manifest through elevated mood, excitability, or euphoria, reduced need for sleep or food, dry mouth, bad breath, teeth or gum damage, elevated heart rate and body temperature, and nosebleeds from snorting. Behavioural signs can include compulsive redosing, rapid, erratic, or aggressive behaviour, and financial problems from spending on the drug.
Alcohol addiction may show physical signs like frequent hangovers, weight changes, and poor skin condition or redness in the face. Behavioural signs include drinking alone or in secret, neglecting responsibilities, and increasing risky behaviours.
Summary Table
| Substance | Key Physical Signs | Key Behavioral Signs | |-------------------|-------------------------------------|-------------------------------------| | General Addiction | Weight changes, poor hygiene, tremors| Secrecy, withdrawal, mood swings | | Crystal Meth | Weight loss, dilated pupils, sores | Hyperactivity, insomnia, burnout | | Cocaine | Excitability, dry mouth, nosebleeds | Redosing, aggression, financial issues | | Alcohol | Hangovers, weight changes, redness | Secret drinking, neglect, risk-taking |
Additional Considerations
Early detection and intervention are vital. If you notice these signs in yourself or someone else, approach the topic gently and express concern rather than accusation. Always encourage seeking professional help for diagnosis and treatment.
Addictions are categorised as "substance-related and addictive disorders" by doctors. Psychological symptoms of addiction include wanting to divert money from regular expenses for the addictive substance, not consuming enough nutrients, and experiencing depression and anxiety. Powerful cravings are a characteristic of addiction, making it difficult for the individual to stop partaking of the addictive substance or behaviour despite expressing a desire to quit.
Overuse of substances or behaviours in addiction can lead to a range of psychological, physical, and social effects that can drastically reduce people's quality of living. While under the influence of some substances, a person with substance use disorder may engage in risky activities, such as fast and dangerous driving or violence.
A person with addiction may experience insomnia or a disrupted sleep cycle due to using illicit stimulants. Symptoms of addiction vary according to the addictive disorder. A person with addiction may make sacrifices in their home budget to ensure the availability of the substance. They may also have small stocks of a substance hidden away in different parts of the house or car, often in unlikely places, to avoid detection.
A person with addiction may experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using the substance, depending on the substance. They may appear more dishevelled, tired, and haggard due to the substance use. If a person or someone they know has any of these symptoms, they should consider treatment for themselves or the person they are concerned about, as soon as possible.
A person with addiction may show an increase in tolerance over time, requiring more of the substance to achieve the same effect. They may also experience physical symptoms when levels of the substance drop below a certain level, depending on the substance. They may become obsessed with a substance, spending more and more time and energy finding ways of getting it.
A person with addiction may experience damage or disease from using a substance, such as respiratory diseases and lung cancers from smoking substances, limb damage and problems with veins and arteries from injecting illicit drugs, and chronic liver problems from regularly consuming excessive amounts of alcohol. They may also experience appetite changes due to the substance they are using.
Substance use disorder can have a drastically different impact on every individual. An example of this overlap is when someone experiences the psychological effect of wanting to divert money from their regular food shop to purchasing a substance, and then not consuming enough nutrients. Relationship problems and a growing aversion to social interactions can lead to and worsen psychological problems, including depression and anxiety.
A person with a substance use disorder finds it difficult to control their use of a specific substance despite being aware of the harm it can cause. As the addiction progresses, they may drop hobbies and activities. It is essential to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength and a step towards a healthier life.
While recognizing the significance of mental health in health-and-wellness, it's important to understand that emotional symptoms can also be indicators of an addiction. For instance, an individual struggling with addiction might experience persistent feelings of hopelessness or suicidal thoughts.
Furthermore, scientific research indicates that addictive disorders can impact various aspects of an individual's life, including mental health. In fact, addiction can lead to or worsen conditions like depression and anxiety.
Moreover, addressing emotional well-being is a crucial part of addressing addiction. By recognizing the emotional signs and seeking help, individuals can take a significant step toward overcoming addiction and improving their overall mental and physical health.
