Commons Signs and Symptoms of Addiction

Using alcohol or drugs does not mean that a person has a substance use disorder. However, as soon as a person’s use leads to problems at work or at home, or causes damage to his or her health, it is probably time to seek help.

Alcohol

Men who drink five or more standard drinks (12 oz of beer, 4 oz of wine, or 1 oz of hard liquor) in a day (or 15 or more per week) and women who drink 4 or more in a day (or eight or more per week) are at increased risk for alcohol-related problems. About 3 in 10 U.S. adults drink at levels that increase their risk for problems, which may include hypertension, GI bleeding, sleep disorders, depression, stroke, cirrhosis of the liver, and several cancers.

There are two main alcohol disorders: alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence. Alcohol abuse is less severe, but can lead to physically risky behavior, interpersonal problems, inability to function appropriately at home or work, and legal troubles. Alcohol dependence is more severe and is characterized by preoccupation with drinking, inability to cut back, and symptoms of physical need and withdrawal, including increased tolerance.

Symptoms of alcohol dependence:

Drinking alone or in secret
Being unable to limit the amount of alcohol you drink
Not remembering conversations or commitments, sometimes referred to as "blacking out"
Making a ritual of having drinks before, with or after dinner and becoming annoyed when this ritual is disturbed or questioned
Losing interest in activities and hobbies that used to bring pleasure
Feeling a need or compulsion to drink
Irritability when your usual drinking time nears, especially if alcohol isn't available
Keeping alcohol in unlikely places at home, at work or in the car
Gulping drinks, ordering doubles, becoming intoxicated intentionally to feel good or drinking to feel "normal"
Having legal problems or problems with relationships, employment or finances
Building a tolerance so that you need an increasing number of drinks to feel the effects
Experiencing physical withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating and shaking

People who abuse alcohol may experience many of the same signs and symptoms, however alcohol abusers don't feel the same compulsion to drink and usually don't experience physical withdrawal symptoms.

What About Drugs?

There are many signs, both physical and behavioral, that indicate drug use. Each drug has its own symptoms or side effects, but there are some general indications that a person is using drugs.

Sudden change in behavior
Sudden mood swings
Withdrawal from family members and/or long-term friends
Carelessness about personal grooming
Loss of interest in hobbies, sports, and other favorite activities
Changed sleeping pattern
Red or glassy eyes
Runny nose

The following are some of the signs and symptoms of specific drug use. Please keep in mind that this list is not exhaustive, nor will every user display every sign or symptom.

Cannabis (Marijuana)

A heightened sense of visual, auditory and taste perception
Poor memory
Increased blood pressure and heart rate
Red eyes
Decreased coordination
Difficulty concentrating
Increased appetite
Slowed reaction time
Paranoid thinking

Central nervous system depressants (barbiturates and benzodiazepines)

Phenobarbital, amobarbital (Amytal) and secobarbital (Seconal), diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), oxazepam (Serax), lorazepam (Ativan), clonazepam (Klonopin) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium) are all depressant medications. Signs and symptoms of use and dependence on these drugs include:

Drowsiness
Slurred speech
Lack of coordination
Memory impairment
Confusion
Slowed breathing and decreased blood pressure
Dizziness
Depression

Central nervous system stimulants

Amphetamines, methamphetamine, cocaine and methylphenidate (Ritalin) are all stimulants. Signs and symptoms of use and dependence on these drugs include:

Euphoria
Decreased appetite
Rapid speech
Irritability
Restlessness
Depression as the drug wears off
Nasal congestion and damage to the mucous membrane of the nose in users who snort drugs
Insomnia
Weight loss
Increased heart rate, blood pressure and temperature
Paranoia

Designer drugs

Designer drugs have been created by changing the molecular structure of other existing drugs, to create something new with similar pharmacological effects. Synthetic compounds, such as Ecstasy, which has both amphetamine-like and hallucinogenic effects, are included in this category.

Signs and symptoms of designer drug use vary depending on the drug. Because this category of drugs is so widely varied, it is impossible to list each drug and its symptoms.

Hallucinogens

Use of hallucinogens produces different signs and symptoms depending on the drug. The most common hallucinogens are LSD, phencyclidine (PCP) and ketamine (special K).

Signs and symptoms of LSD use include:

Hallucinations
Greatly impaired perception of reality, for example, interpreting input from one of your senses as another, such as hearing colors
Permanent mental changes in perception
Rapid heart rate
High blood pressure
Tremors
Flashbacks, a re-experience of the hallucinations — even years later

Signs and symptoms of PCP use include:

Hallucinations
Euphoria
Delusions
Panic
Loss of appetite
Depression
Aggressive, possibly violent behavior

Signs and symptoms of ketamine use include:

Increased heart rate
Nausea and vomiting
Numbness
Impaired motor function
Loss of memory

Inhalants

The signs and symptoms of inhalant use vary depending on what substance is inhaled. Some commonly inhaled substances include glue, paint thinners, correction fluid, felt tip marker fluid, gasoline, cleaning fluids and household aerosol products.

When inhaled, these products can cause brief intoxication and a decreased feeling of inhibition. Long-term use may cause seizures and damage to the brain, liver and kidneys. Inhalant use can also cause death.

Opioids

Opioids are narcotic, painkilling drugs produced naturally from opium or made synthetically, including heroin, morphine, codeine, methadone and oxycodone (OxyContin). Signs and symptoms of use and dependence on these drugs include:

Reduced sense of pain
Sedation
Depression
Confusion
Constipation
Slowed breathing
Needle marks (if injecting drugs)

*Note – Signs, symptoms and definitions provided courtesy of the Mental Health First Aid training curriculum and the Mayo Clinic.