Drug Addiction: The Signs and Withdrawal Symptoms

Drug addiction is very common in our society and it crosses all races, ethnic groups, and social classes. Suburban, middle class people are using more and more illicit drug use and the signs of drug addiction may not be widely recognized or known in these communities. There are a number of different signs and symptoms relating to which type of drug a person is using. More noticeable signs are associated to certain drugs. However, there are some signs and symptoms that are associated with all drug use. The information listed will discuss symptoms of illicit or illegal drugs instead of the legal drugs in the same category.

The common signs are:

Weight loss – A loss of appetite occurs when someone is addicted to drugs due to the body’s constant craving of the drug. An appetite for the drug exceeds a normal appetite for food.

Paranoia – Although this happens more frequently in certain drugs than others. Paranoia is a common occurrence in a person addicted to drugs. The drug disrupts normal mental functions creating an obsessive thought that someone is out to get them. Drugs impair normal brain functions that confuse the brain’s senses and perceptions.

Preoccupation – Drug addicts become preoccupied and often desperate in searching and acquiring drugs. Many will go to any lengths to obtain the drug of choice and that includes stealing, lying, fraud, and even violent crimes. A drug addict will likely steal from anyone or ask for money with no intentions on paying anyone back. Therefore, relationships, employment, health and hygiene often suffer.

Here are the signs associated with the use of specific drugs. Withdrawal can take place once the “high” effect of the drug wears off, not when one tries to overcome the drug addiction.

Depressants

Heroin – Heroin is a dangerously addictive drug. Contrary to popular belief, heroin doesn’t necessarily make one violent. The drug is a depressant that calms and soothes the person resulting in a coma like state. Like any drug, withdrawal symptoms and the dire need to get the drug for the next high can cause the addict to become violent. While under the influence of heroin, the person is not violent at all. Signs of heroin use include slow breathing, dilated pupils, and nausea. Withdrawal symptoms include watery eyes and nose, yawning, loss of appetite, irritability, tremors, diarrhea, panic, cramps, chills, sweating, and death. Inhalants have similar symptoms and withdrawals, as does heroin.

Barbiturates have similar withdrawal symptoms as heroin use and signs similar to someone being drunk.

Stimulants

Cocaine (including crack) – Cocaine affects adrenaline and creates a “rush” and pleasurable feeling. Signs of cocaine use include increased alertness, excitability, feelings of euphoria, increased pulse and heart rate, insomnia, fidgetiness, uncontrollable movements, and a loss of appetite. Withdrawal symptoms or after the drug wears off includes apathy, long periods of sleep (fatigue), irritability, hostility, aggression, depression, paranoia, and disorientation. Amphetamines, which includes methamphetamines, has the same signs or effects of cocaine use but withdrawal could include convulsions and death.

A side note: Ritalin, the drug given to children with ADHD/ADD, has the same effects and withdrawal symptoms as cocaine and amphetamines.

Hallucinogens

PCP and LSD – The signs of these dangerous drugs include hallucinations, altered perceptions of reality, a mix up of senses, where the person hears colors and sees sounds, and violent behavior. Some of the withdrawal symptoms include longer “trips”, psychosis, and death. These signs and withdrawal symptoms occur in both addicts and those who use the drug one time or infrequently. Chronic use often leads to one experiencing a psychotic episode causing a mental breakdown, violence, and death.