a woman thinking about the symptoms of addiction
By Published On: 19/08/2020Categories: Addiction, Addiction Treatment Therapy, Substance Abuse TreatmentComments Off on Symptoms of Addiction To Look Out ForTags: , ,

Knowing the symptoms of addiction is the initial step in guiding someone you love to go to rehab or getting help for yourself. Therefore, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of the signs of addiction that can affect the physical, psychological, and behavioral aspects of your life. Once you understand the signs to look for, you’ll be more well-equipped to seek help and drug addiction treatment from Georgia Addiction Treatment Center.

The Physical Symptoms of Addiction

Drug addiction is a disease that causes changes in neurological action and structure. All these changes inhibit and alter brain function, thereby affecting the physical characteristics of a person. Aside from neurological side effects, there will also be a decline in overall physical health. Some of the physical symptoms of addiction include:

  • Withdrawal: People dealing with addiction want drugs so they can feel better, and when their needs are not met, they will start to experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms often include increased heart rate, shakiness, muscle cramps, anxiety, and insomnia.
  • Increased tolerance: As one’s dependence on substances grows, they must consume larger amounts of their drug of choice to get the same effects. High tolerance can cause addicts to take larger doses, which may put them at risk of overdose.
  • Appearance changes: There are many outward signs of drug abuse that can easily be observed, such as bloodshot eyes, tooth decay, dilated pupils, hair loss, and weight loss. Drugs also damage the immune system. So an addict may have more frequent illnesses, which include bacterial infections, pneumonia, colds, and allergies.
  • Chronic conditions: For long term users, drug abuse can increase their likelihood to suffer from chronic conditions and physical ailments, like stroke, heart and kidney disease, and respiratory issues. Those who inject drugs also have a higher chance of getting HIV and hepatitis.

Psychological Symptoms of Addiction

Drug addiction can distort one’s perception and thinking. It can also cause emotional imbalances, therefore leaving addicts with a low sense of self-esteem. For instance, some of the most common psychological symptoms of addiction are:

  • Mood changes: Mood changes are normal, but when one suffers from drug abuse, they can have abrupt mood changes without any triggers. Chemical imbalances cause this. In time, this can turn into depression, irritability, and even paranoia.
  • Decreased interest in activities: Drugs can have adverse effects on a person’s emotional energy. There will be little room left for other sources of pleasures, such as activities that you used to enjoy.
  • Denial: People who suffer from drug abuse put up walls to protect themselves from the truth. Attempts from loved ones to break through their walls will only be met with excuses and rationalizations that may seem true for the abuser.
  • Feeling guilty: Those who abuse illegal substances will feel deeply guilty or ashamed because they can’t stop their addiction. They will also feel bad for the pain they caused to their loved ones.

Behavioral Symptoms of Addiction

Drug addicts may find it hard to decode what they are feeling. This is also the reason why there is a need for tailored treatment therapy for them. Some of the behavioral symptoms include:

  • Lying: People who are trapped in the dangerous cycle of drug addiction may eventually lie about their actions. They may even manipulate other people just to get what they want.
  • Blaming others: It is very hard for addicts to see through their reasoning, and those who are dependent on drugs may blame people or bad luck for the troubles they are facing. They also get used to making excuses just to deflect the responsibilities that come their way.
  • Neglecting responsibilities: People who suffer from substance abuse may start to neglect all their responsibilities for their work and family. Ultimately, drugs will become their priority, and the emotional and physical challenges that come with it will make it difficult for them to manage other responsibilities.

Seek Help Today from Georgia Addiction Treatment Center

The symptoms of addiction vary from one person to another. Under the care of our expert team, recovering addicts can finally begin their process of healing. Soon, all the symptoms of addiction will be easier to handle and may disappear completely. If you want to take control of your future, contact Georgia Addiction Treatment Center today at [Direct].

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