Signs of a Drug Addict
How do you know you are in the presence of a drug addict?
How do you know if you’re a drug addict, particularly when it is a prescription medication, or how can you tell if you are in denial? The following is a list of several signs and symptoms of addiction:
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* With prescription medication, you may start doubling, even tripling your dosage, or take it closer together. This is because your brain has declared itself in need of the medication and sends mixed messages to you that you need more medicine at an increased rate again, and again, and again. Before you know it, you are addicted to your prescription.
* Behavioral changes occur. The drug addict can become defensive, paranoid, upset, or just the opposite, quiet, reclusive, almost hermit-like. Behavior and personality changes are quite common in drug addicts and is one of the most visible and prominent signs.
* Eating habits change. Either the drug addict practically stops eating altogether or overeats. If the person has either lost or gained weight and there is no viable reason, this could be a sign of drug addiction.
* Different set of friends. Especially among teens, this can be noticed. If the person has stopped hanging out with the close friends he or she always had and some new faces are showing up that you are not particularly comfortable with, follow that instinct. Adding a friend or losing one happens sometimes in life, changing an entire group is usually a red flag that a drug addiction has occurred.
* Financial difficulties or stealing. A person addicted to drugs usually ends up going through money faster as he wants more and more drugs. His money gets spent on the drugs and then there is none left over for food, or living expenses. They begin to borrow money, which goes to buying more drugs, leading to financial problems. This can culminate into stealing.
* Drug paraphernalia. This is not a collector’s item, it is a sign of drug use. Not far from it, you may even find some drugs.
* Legal problems. Getting caught with drugs, or dealing has heavy repercussions; worse than having to show up for court, is the reputation lost when you face time.
* Drug addiction is huge liability.
If there are signs, seek help immediately. There are many more symptoms, such as falling grades, less interest in activities, physical changes, moodiness, etc.
* Drug addiction can be started alone, but it takes a group effort to recover successfully.
* Call and seek help today!
