What is Addiction?
Addiction, also referred to as substance use disorder, is a disease of the brain that manifests by compulsive use of substances or behaviors that continue despite negative consequences. Addicted individuals have a powerful urge to use substances such as alcohol or drugs to the point that it can consume every aspect of their life. Many addicts use addictive substances, even knowing their use will have severe consequences. Individuals usually begin using drugs to feel good or get “high,” to improve performance or because they are curious or succumb to peer pressure. However, various treatments are available, and addicts can recover to the point of leading normal and productive lives.
Physical Symptoms of Addiction
A person struggling with the disease of addiction may display a variety of physical symptoms and changes from their normal state. Watching for these symptoms of addiction is extremely important. It is important to watch for any substantial changes in physical appearance personality and behavior. Physical symptoms of addiction can include needle marks on the arm, leg or bottom of feet, irregular heartbeat, puffy face, frequent running nose, hacking cough, diminishing hygiene, frequent twisting of the jaw, nausea, excessive sweating, the loss or increase in appetite, cold sweaty palms, unusual smells on a person’s breath, body or clothing, slowed walk, poor coordination, extreme hyperactivity, excessive talking, watery, red eyes, pupils smaller or larger than normal, inability to sleep, extreme laziness or awake at unusual times, unusual laziness, tremors of head, hands or feet. These are some of the common symptoms and signs of drug use. However, if an individual displays any of these symptoms, it does not necessarily mean that the person is using drugs. The symptoms could be due to a physical or mental health problem.
Behavioral Symptoms of Addiction
In addition to physical symptom of addiction, there are also several behavioral signs to watch for. Behavioral signs of addiction include: possession of drug paraphernalia, unsuccessful attempts to stop using drugs, changes in friends, change in activities or hobbies, change in overall attitude and personality, stealing, missing prescription drugs, drops in grades at school, diminished performance at work, silliness, increased need for privacy, moodiness, irritability, anxiety, paranoia, persistent dishonesty, suspicious behavior, secret behavior, diminished self-esteem, decreased energy, over-sensitivity, car accidents, possession of a fake ID.
Addictive Substances and Their Symptoms
Individuals can become addicted to a variety of substances.
Those can include:
- Alcohol: Symptoms of alcohol addiction include: drinking more than you originally planned to, unsuccessfully attempting to cut back or stop, continuing to drink despite the problems it causes in your life, spending a lot of time drinking and being hung over, having to drink more than you used in order to get the desired effect.
- Opioids such as Heroin, Oxycodone and Fentanyl: Symptoms of opioid dependence can include uncontrollable cravings, changes in sleep habits, weight loss, flu-like symptoms, drowsiness, decreased libido, diminished hygiene habits, stealing from family, friends, or work, financial problems.
- Marijuana: Symptoms of marijuana addiction can include increased appetite, weight gain, bloodshot eyes, paranoia, slowed reaction time, dry mouth, dizziness, bloodshot eyes, poor coordination, impaired judgement, and sleepiness.
- Methamphetamines: Symptoms of methamphetamine use includes dilated pupils, skin sores, weight loss, reduced appetite, rotting teeth, burns on the lips or fingers, rapid eye movement, mood swings or outburst, skin sores, facial tics,twitching, and jerky movements.
- Cocaine: Symptoms of cocaine use include paranoia, white powder around nostrils, dilated pupils, loss of appetite, depression, mood swings, inability to sleep, paranoia, financial problems, irritability, missing work.
- Hallucinogens such as LSD: Individuals addicted to LSD and other hallucinogens may experience distortions of time, depth perception, space, shape, and size. They may experience hallucinations of stationary items moving, have an altered perception of speed and a distorted sensory experience of sound, sight and touch. Hallucinogens may also create the sensation that a person has left his or her body or that their body has changed shape.
- Vaping: Symptoms of vaping addiction include dry mouth, cough, dry eyes, nosebleeds, dry skin, irritation of the throat and nosebleeds.
- Tranquilizers: Symptoms of tranquilizer addiction include drowsiness, slurred speech, lowering of inhibitions, lack of focus, memory lapses, lack of focus and concentration, slowed breathing.
Where Can I Find Addiction Treatment?
Finding the right treatment center is a critical first step towards successful journey in recovery. Drug and alcohol treatment can include addiction treatment facilities, therapy and other resources for individuals who are ready to recover from addiction and lead a fruitful life. Factors to consider include, length of stay offered by a treatment center, the services offered by the facility and the credentials of the staff. It is also important to find out if treatment will be covered by insurance. Among the most crucial factors is for the person seeking recovery to feel comfortable with the services and the treatment offered by the facility.
San Diego Addiction Treatment Facility “AToN Center” is an Often-Sought Destination
The AToN Center serves adult men and women, executives, high profile individuals, and anyone who is ready to stop using and drinking and begin a new chapter in their lives. AToN Center is a luxury alcohol and drug residential treatment center with opulent facilities with a trained, experienced, and compassionate staff, who will design a program designed to meet the needs of each individual. Our staff knows there is no one way to stay clean and sober. AToN Center’s high Clinician to Resident ratio (1:2) allows for daily individualized treatment for those seeking respite from problematic drug and alcohol misuse.
Originally posted on September 11, 2020 @ 4:30 am
