Although drugs have different psychological and physiological effects, dependency shares many common characteristics. If you or a loved one experience any of these effects, there is likely an addiction.
Increasing dosages
With more drug use, tolerance levels increase and drug users will commonly
increase their dosages.
Changes in mood, concentration and energy levels
As tolerance increases, social activities and interactions may diminish, and a
user may begin to withdraw from family and friends. Additionally, when
attempting to hide a drug dependency, abusers can become very defensive about
their secret, and perhaps react inappropriately to simple requests or questions
about the drug use. A drug user may also try to conceal their dependency by
hiding drugs engaging in atypical behaviors.
Less personally and professional responsible
A dependent person may call in sick to work more often, and neglect regular
household activities and personal hygiene routines. Sleeping and eating habits
change, and cold like symptoms such as a cough, runny nose and red, glazed eyes
may appear.
Sound and light sensitivity
Addiction can cause oversensitivity to normal sensations and sensory
hallucinations may begin to occur as well.
Seeking prescription extensions
A dependent person will aggressively seek additional prescriptions or extensions
despite improvement in the originally diagnosed medical condition. The user may
visit different physicians or even try to purchase drugs through unlicensed
sources. A drug dependent individual may even begin to associate with other
dependent people in an effort to seem more normal or even in an attempt to seek
more drug sources.
Unsuccessful attempts to quit
A dependent person may have tried to quit independently, however continues to
return to drug use because of overwhelming physical and psychological withdrawal
symptoms.
Memory Loss
A very clear indication of dependence is when the person regularly forgets
events that have taken place and appears to suffer blackouts.
Next: Identifying Drugs
