10 Most Common Drug Addiction Signs

The signs and symptoms of drug addiction vary according to the individual and the substances they are using. There are, however, a number of classic drug addiction signs that tend to run across most people and specific drug dependencies.

What are the 10 Most Common Drug Addiction Signs?

The following represents the most common signs and symptoms of drug addiction. These signs do not appear with every individual, or for every drug addiction, but they do appear frequently enough to represent a warning sign that something is amiss with the individual and that they may need help from a drug rehab center.

1) Mood swings. Individuals who are addicted to drugs are prone to sudden mood swings depending upon whether or not they are currently under the influence.

2) Depression. During the "lows" of drug addiction, many individuals will fall into a deep depression as they ponder their situation, or await their next dose of the drug.

3) Euphoria. Drug use can take individuals to points of extreme euphoria - making them seem giddy or elated at socially unacceptable times.

4) Criminal behavior. When an individual is addicted to drugs, he or she will do anything to obtain more. This may include robbery, selling drugs or other crimes that can land the individual in jail.

5) Sleeplessness. Many individuals who are addicted to stimulants may find it difficult to sleep while they are under the influence of the drug. Opiate addicts, on the other hand, may experience sleeplessness when they are going through withdrawal.

6) Unexplained absences. For many people, drug addiction is all about secrecy. These men and women use drugs in private in the hopes of keeping their habit a secret from loved ones or co-workers. As such, a drug addict may disappear for hours (or even days) on end without speculation.

7) Anxiety. Almost every type of drug addiction causes some form of anxiety in the user. Whether it is nervous behavior caused by the drug itself, or anxiousness over finding one's next "fix", anxiety remains one of the hallmark symptoms of drug addiction.

8) Strong drug cravings. Once addiction takes over, the individual's body will shut down with access to more drugs. That leads to very strong drug cravings that can take over the life of almost anyone - no matter how physically or emotionally strong they are.

9) Change in appearance. Men and women who are addicted to drugs often look different than before they began using. Drugs such as cocaine, crystal meth or heroin may cause individual to become emaciated - while marijuana may lead to weight gain for some.

10) New peers. Commonly, adolescent and teen drug addicts will begin hanging around with a different peer group when they are immersed in drug use. This means parents should be aware of the potential for trouble when their child begins spending time with an unfamiliar group of kids.

The Importance of Knowing Common Drug Addiction Signs and Symptoms

An individual who has a drug addiction is not likely to reach out for help, or quit using drugs on their own. Therefore, it is up to loved ones to step in and help them get the life-saving help they desperately need. By knowing what to look for, friends and family will be able to address the situation earlier on in the process - before the drug addiction has a chance to spiral too far out of control.

Seasons Recovery Centers of Malibu, California is a residential drug rehab facility that treats every patient with a unique combination of cutting-edge therapy styles and holistic practices. The result is an individual who not only has the skills to live a sober life, but also live a much healthier one as well. Seasons even offers a treatment guarantee!