Substance abusers often try to hide their addiction symptoms and ignore their problem. If you are concerned that a loved one or a friend might be having substance dependency, below are the common warning signs that will help you help them.
The Symptoms
Substance abuse can negatively impact bodily systems and functions and below are some of the most common symptoms:
- Change in appetite. Some substances change the appetite of a user. For example, the use of marijuana can significantly increase one’s appetite while cocaine can reduce it.
- Sleeplessness. One of the most common withdrawal symptoms experienced by people with substance dependency is insomnia. The use of illegal stimulants like ecstasy encourages an interrupted sleep cycle, as the user might stay up late many nights in a row to join parties where the substance is readily available.
- Tired, haggard, and disheveled appearance. A person with addiction may start to look more tired, haggard, and disheveled, as taking drugs or alcohol or doing addictive behavior may replace the regular day-to-day routine such as taking a bath or washing clothes.
- Acquiring diseases. Developing different diseases is very common in people who have substance dependency and behavioral addiction. People with nicotine dependency, for example, might develop lung cancer and other respiratory diseases due to continuous and rigorous smoking. For drug users who inject illegal drugs may have limb injuries and problems with arteries and veins.
- Withdrawal symptoms. Many people who have become addicted to a particular substance have tried to quit their addiction, and many have also failed. One of the most common reasons behind this is experiencing the excruciating withdrawal symptoms. These include seizures, constipation, over-the-top nausea, diarrhea, constipation, sweats, cravings and even violent behaviors.
The Effects
Substance and other forms of addictions can have a damaging short- and long-term effects. Taking drugs, specifically, can be particularly dangerous if taken in high dosage or combined with other substances . Below are some of the common life-changing effects of addiction:
- Long-term health consequences and mental health problems
- overdose which can lead to death
- confusion and memory loss
- electrolyte imbalance
- brain damages
- accidents
- suicides
- family problems
- financial issues
- work issues
- legal issues