Adrug addictionoralcohol use disordercan be difficult to identify without anunderstanding of the signs of addiction. Substance use disorders can change the waypeople look, how they act and how they feel, and the symptoms of drug abuse can bephysical, behavioral and psychological in nature.Fortunately for concernedfamily members and friends, there are many easilyidentifiable characteristics of addiction and many types of drug addictions share similarsigns and symptoms. If someone can recognize the symptoms of addiction, they maybe able to help a friend or family member who struggles with this disease.Table of ContentsWarning Signs of AddictionRisk Factors for AddictionAddiction Treatment OptionsWarning Signs of AddictionIt can be difficultto tell whether someone struggles with a drug addiction, but in manycases, there are several key warning signs of this disease. Common warning signs ofaddiction can be physical, like changes in appearance or personal hygiene; behavioral,like frequent mood swings or disregarding priorities; or psychological, like a lack ofmotivation or the development of amental illness.Physical SignsIf someone misuses drugs or alcohol, they may exhibit numerous physical signs of drugabuse. Some of these signs may be readily apparent while others are hidden, disguisedor occur as gradual changes.Among the most common physical signs of addiction are:Frequent runny nose (common withcocaine addiction)Tremors or seizuresLoss of physical coordinationExtreme lethargyChemical odor on breath or clothesPinpoint pupilsBloodshot eyesChanges in weightChanges in appetite and eating habitsIrregular sleeping patternsMarks on skinPoor personal hygiene
