Addictive substances can come into people’s lives in various ways. You may have a loved one to whom doctors prescribed an opioid pain reliever, or a family member may have used an illicit substance with no negative effects.
Whatever the case may be, you now worry that he or she has developed an addiction to a substance. To make a better determination of what is happening, review these signs of addiction.
Physical attributes
Drug addiction can present itself in many forms. When it comes to physical signs of addiction, you may witness any of the following symptoms in your loved one:
- Bloodshot eyes
- Unkempt appearance
- Unusual pupil size
- Lack of physical coordination
- Insomnia
- Sudden changes in weight
- Slurred speech
You may even notice signs of withdrawal if your loved one has gone without the substance for any length of time. Loss of appetite, depression, vomiting and seizures are just a few signs of withdrawal.
Behavioral signs
Possibly even more disturbing than the physical signs of addiction are the behavioral signs. You may notice the following:
- Denying drug use when confronted
- Seemingly distracted — always thinking about the substance
- Shirking responsibilities, such as going to work, school or family functions
- Putting others at risk in order to obtain or use drugs
These actions may cause you great concern because your loved one likely never acted so irresponsibly before the addiction took hold.
Psychological signs
Another area that you may find upsetting because your loved one is not acting like him or herself is the psychological effects, which include:
- Mood swings
- Inattentiveness
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Irritability
- Angry outbursts
Of course, other signs and issues associated with addiction would also affect your loved one. His or her situation could become so serious that on top of the physical and mental harm suffered from the substance abuse problem, your loved one could also end up in legal trouble. Addiction can lead individuals down difficult paths, and your loved one could face drug charges that need addressing.
Contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer for more information.
