Warning Signs
Recognizing an addiction problem in a loved one can be harder than it seems. Addiction is a chronic disease that affects the brain’s reward, motivation, and memory functions. Someone suffering from will often ignore other areas of life to fulfill or support their desires.
A healthy person can typically identify a negative behavior and take necessary actions to overcome it. Rather than admit the problem exists, an addict will find ways to justify and continue the behavior.
The first step on the path to recovery is being able to recognize the common warning signs of addiction.
Physical Warning Signs
- Physical appearance
- Small pupils
- Decreased respiratory rate
- Non responsiveness
- Drowsy
- Loss or increase in appetite
- Weight loss or weight gain
- Intense flu-like symptoms (nausea, vomiting, sweating, shaky hands, feet or head, large pupils)
- Wearing long-sleeves or hiding arms
Behavioral Warning Signs
- Change in attitude and/or personality
- Tendency to avoid contact with family and/or friends
- Change in friends, hobbies, activities and/or sports
- Drops in grades or performance at work
- Isolation and secretive behavior
- Moodiness, irritability, nervousness, giddiness
- Tendency to steal
Advanced Warning Signs
- Missing medications
- Burnt or missing spoons and/or bottle caps
- Syringes
- Small bags with powder residue
- Missing shoelaces and/or belts