Identifying an Addict
 No
one sets out to develop a drug dependency
problem and by the time it has occurred,
the addict herself may not even
realize that there is a problem.
Addicts often begin to take drugs
as a way of overcoming stresses
or problems in their life and tend
to repress whatever feelings or
emotions led them to take drugs
in the first place. As a result,
drug addiction can tend to mask
deeper emotional or psychological
problems that the individual is
unable to cope with or unwilling
to confront head on.
Consequently, what usually begins
as a way to ‘feel better’
about yourself only makes things
worse in the long-run. The important
thing to remember is that addicts
need professional help and until
they enter some form of rehabilitation
program, whatever problems they
are causing or undergoing themselves
will not disappear on their own
and will most likely worsen over
time.
Knowing the Symptoms
While
the symptoms of someone who has become addicted to drugs vary,
the following is a list of the more common physical behaviors
associated with drug dependency:
- Sudden or rapid weight loss
- Sudden or rapid mood swings
- Changes in sleep patterns; insomnia, hypersomnia (oversleeping);
fatigue
- Loss of appetite; changes in eating patterns
- Red, watery eyes; dilated or constricted pupils; blank
stare
- Depression; loss of motivation; laziness; decreased self-esteem
- Loss of physical coordination
- Cold, sweaty palms; shaking hands
- Constant cold-like symptoms; persistent runny nose, persistent
cough
- Tremors or shakes
- Persistent and excessive sweating
- Unexplained nausea or regular vomiting
- Puffiness in the face, around the eyes; pale or reddened
skin
It is important to note that no one single symptom or combination
thereof is sufficient to diagnose someone as a drug addict.
However, should the individual in question exhibit several
of these symptoms at once, professional help should be sought
immediately.
Apart from the physical symptoms, other signs of possible
drug addiction include the following:
- Change in friends
- Secretive or suspicious behavior
- Paranoia
- Memory loss; forgetfulness
- Frequent lying and dishonesty
- Run-ins with police
- Problems at school or work
- Increasing absenteeism
- Increased or unexplained spending; stealing
- Excessive demands for privacy; locked doors
- Change in personal grooming habits; lack of personal
hygiene
- Violent or bizarre behavior
- Loss of interest in family and friends
- Defensiveness
- Moodiness, nervousness and irritability
- Constant boredom
- Change or loss of interest in regular activities
- Hyperactivity; excessive talkativeness
|