Symptoms of Drug Addiction
A lot of individuals who fall into the trap of drug addiction do not actually realize they are developing the problem until they are already in it deep. You have to learn more about the initial symptoms and observe those who are possibly addicted, so proper treatment can be given immediately. Drug addiction is a very serious condition. It can be treated, however, especially if the symptoms are determined early. Here are some more tips and info.
About Drug Addiction
Drug addiction is described as an abnormal condition triggered by too much drug use. The addiction disorder includes the development of short term drug use up to drug-seeking behavior, slowed ability to react to natural stimuli and being prone to relapse. The DSM-IV or Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders has grouped 3 phases of addiction, namely anticipation or preoccupation, intoxication or binge and negative affect or withdrawal. The stages are grouped by preoccupation of acquiring the drugs, abusing the substance, going through the intoxicating effects and tolerance and withdrawal symptoms. Drug addiction is not the same as drug tolerance and drug dependence.
The Symptoms
There are plenty of symptoms that you can notice among drug addicts. People who feel that they need to use the drug regularly, such as daily or many times a day is indicative of the condition. Other symptoms include spending cash on the substance even if the person cannot afford it. Some people may try to stop using the substance but fail. Others feel the need that they always have a constant supply of drugs.
Others will do drastic actions, like stealing or robbing, just to acquire the substance. Other drug addicts feel that they can get rid of their problems or feel better just by taking the drug. Others do risky activities or drive while under the influence. Drug addicts also spend most of their energy, money and time on trying to acquire and using the drug.
Teenage Symptoms
Teenagers are highly at risk for developing drug addiction because of peer pressure and the difficult phase that they are going through. Problems at school are one of the primary symptoms. The student may miss classes or suddenly feel bored or tired of doing school activities. They may have bad grades or fail tests and quizzes because of lack of focus. Physical health may be affected, as the teenager displays lack of motivation and energy.
Some teenagers feel the urge to get more money just to get more drugs. They may do unacceptable activities like selling off items at home or stealing just to get constant supply. The teenager may not care about how he looks. He may not want to groom or buy new cloths and other products for good hygiene. The teenager may display sudden changes in behavior, like paranoia, rage, anger, sleepiness and extreme happiness.
Taking Marijuana
If you develop addiction to THC or tetrahydrocannabinol present in hashish and marijuana, you can display different symptoms. Inclusions are increased sense of taste, vision and hearing, poor memory, red eyes, enhanced heart rate and blood pressure, increased appetite, reduced coordination, reduced focus and concentration, delayed reaction time and paranoia.
Taking Barbiturates
If you are taking barbiturates improperly, you can develop a variety of symptoms. Examples of barbiturates are Seconal and Amytal. Benzodiazepines can also lead to different symptoms. Examples of the substance are Valium, Librium, Ativan and Xanax. Some of the signs and symptoms that you can display include slurred speech, drowsiness, lack of coordination, dizziness, confusion, impaired memory, depression, reduced blood pressure and lack of coordination.
Taking Cocaine
Taking cocaine, amphetamines, methamphetamines and methylphenidate can lead to several symptoms. Included are rapid speech, euphoria, irritability, reduced appetite, restlessness, depression once the drug reduces its effects, weight loss, paranoia, nasal congestion, increased body temperature and increased blood pressure and heart rate.
You can experience symptoms by taking and becoming addicted to club drugs like MDMA, ketamine and GHB. Some of the effects of drug dependence include reduced inhibitions, impaired judgment, memory problems and loss, euphoria or extreme happiness, increased sense of sight, taste and sound, impaired coordination, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, reduced or increased blood pressure and heart rate. More serious effects include coma, seizures and death.