Addiction Signs and Symptoms | Spotting Addiction

Feeling less alert or spaced out can be a troubling sign of addiction, especially with substances that dull your senses, like alcohol or sedatives.

Regular teeth clenching when using stimulants like MDMA or methamphetamine often escalates as an addiction progresses.

Feeling sleepy or drowsy all the time can be a sign of various common addictions, particularly if you are regularly using sedatives or other depressants.

Drugs that artificially elevate your mood can be addictive as you start chasing the highs again and again.

Nasal congestion from snorting cocaine or other drugs is a telltale sign of addiction and can result in significant damage to the nasal cavities and sinus health.

Tremors or uncontrolled shaking, especially noticeable in the hands, can be signs of alcohol or benzodiazepine addiction and are also common withdrawal symptoms for many substances.

Chronic use of alcohol or stimulants like cocaine can significantly lower inhibitions, often leading to dangerous or out-of-character behaviours.

Anxiety is both a common consequence of stimulant addiction and also a frequent withdrawal symptom for many addictive substances.

Opioids and other pain-relieving drugs can lead to a diminished sensation of pain, a common symptom when the body becomes accustomed to regular drug use.

Frequent substance use often results in a bubble-like state where addicts lose track of what is happening around them.

Substance addiction and withdrawal can both lead to unexpected and uncharacteristic violent outbursts as people struggle with the mental and physical effects.

Many addictive substances, particularly depressants, can cause slurred speech by slowing down brain functions and affecting speech coordination.

Restlessness is a frequent symptom seen in those addicted to stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine, as these drugs heighten nervous system activity.

Chills are a common physical withdrawal symptom from alcohol, heroin and other opioids as the body reacts to the sudden lack of the substances.

Delirium caused by alcohol or drug addiction or withdrawal can come on suddenly and create confusion, behavioural changes and even hallucinations.

Addiction to substances that depress the nervous system can massively increase the risk of slowed breathing and even potentially fatal respiratory depression.

Tooth decay among people with addictions to opioids, methamphetamine or cocaine comes from a combination of decreased saliva production and poor diet and oral hygiene.

Panic attacks often come as a response to anxiety heightened by stimulant addiction or during withdrawal from substances like alcohol and benzodiazepines.

Substances that depress or overstimulate the nervous system can cause persistent foggy thinking, making daily life a struggle for many people with addictions.

Constipation is a frequently encountered issue in people with addictions to opioids as these drugs slow down the body’s digestive system.

Irritability is one of the most common signs of addiction and withdrawal due to both the physical and psychological effects of frequent substance abuse.

Combativeness often reflects an inner struggle which can come out as defensive and aggressive behaviours when an addiction is questioned or threatened.

A runny or sore nose is a common symptom among chronic users of inhaled drugs like cocaine or methamphetamine, resulting from irritation and damage to the nasal passages.

Poor judgment is a hallmark of addiction, where constant substance abuse and an obsession with obtaining more drugs or alcohol overpowers logical thinking and decision-making.

Muscle cramping is among the most frequent signs of dependency, most commonly seen during withdrawal from substances like alcohol and opioids.

A reduced sense of pain is common in opioid addiction as these drugs are central nervous system depressants that block pain signals.

Dangerous and even fatal seizures can occur as a direct consequence of excessive drug abuse or withdrawal from certain substances like alcohol and benzodiazepines.

Substance and behavioural addiction can lead to huge behavioural changes such as increased secrecy, social withdrawal or unexpected aggressive or erratic outbursts.

These are all common signs of dependency and withdrawal due to substances’ effects on your nervous system and chemical balances in your brain.

Constricted pupils, also known as miosis, are a hallmark sign of opioid use. They can also signal a potentially fatal overdose, which requires immediate medical attention.

Depression is a common mental health issue that often co-occurs with addiction, as substance abuse can exacerbate or trigger depressive thoughts and behaviours.

Substance-induced delusions are often seen in severe cases of addiction where your sense of reality is significantly impaired by the substance’s effects on your brain.

Heart attacks can occur as a direct result of substance abuse, the effects of respiratory depression or the poor diets and lifestyles often seen in those with addictions.

Impaired judgment from substance addiction and abuse can lead to bad choices, problems assessing risk and negative impacts on every area of your life.

People going through withdrawal from substances like alcohol or benzodiazepines may develop heightened sensitivity, including an intolerance to loud noises.

Dilated pupils are often a result of cocaine, ecstasy and other stimulant use due to their effects on different systems of the body. If someone has dilated pupils all the time, it could be a sign of addiction.

Needle marks are common signs of addiction to drugs that are taken intravenously. This can include heroin, methamphetamine and certain prescription drugs.

Sweating can increase during substance use as the body tries to regulate its temperature and during addiction withdrawal as a way to flush out drugs and their toxins.

Speech impairment is seen in addictions to various substances as they slow brain function and disrupt your normal speech processes.

A coma due to substance abuse typically results from an overdose which can cause life-threatening toxicity, suppress respiration or shut down critical brain functions.

Insomnia is a frequent complication of frequent stimulant abuse and can also arise from the stress that addiction to other substances and behaviours causes. It is also a very common withdrawal symptom for almost every substance.

Addiction-induced paranoia can lead to dangerous behaviour, broken relationships and isolation, all of which can have serious consequences for your health and well-being.

Impulsive behaviour is one of the most commonly seen signs of addiction because of substance effects, withdrawal symptoms and the constant stress of coping with an addiction.

Problems with focusing attention are cognitive effects of substance abuse that are seen with many common addictions. These issues can severely impact your education, career and even your safety.

Hallucinations can occur as a result of high doses or chronic use of different substances and can also be particularly distressing and dangerous withdrawal symptoms.

General confusion is a common symptom of addiction to alcohol and a whole range of drugs and can also be a withdrawal symptom and even a sign of overdose.

Muscle control issues in individuals with addiction can arise from CNS effects, neurological toxic effects and even overall physical deterioration associated with chronic substance abuse.

Concentration difficulties are a widespread issue among those with addiction due to substance effects, preoccupation with getting and using drugs and long-term substance-induced brain changes.

Involuntary eye movements can be both a direct effect of certain drugs and can also signify underlying health issues exacerbated by drug use, including liver disease or brain damage.

Addiction to substances that impair your cognitive and motor skills commonly leads to a lack of coordination, making even simple day-to-day tasks very difficult and even dangerous.

Memory problems in addiction can occur due to the way alcohol and drugs impact your brain and it can take a long time for these issues to resolve after you become sober.

Irregular heartbeats are often caused by excessive stress on the cardiovascular system, particularly with long-term stimulant addictions.

Vomiting is one of the most frequently seen signs of dependency and can be down to excess drug or alcohol consumption or the body’s reaction to detox.

Long-term drug abuse and addiction can permanently disrupt sensory perception, causing lingering visual distortions or auditory hallucinations even after quitting.

Drug abuse, withdrawal and addiction in those with underlying mental health conditions can all result in psychotic episodes which put both the individual and those around them in danger.

Various drugs flood the brain with dopamine, leading to extreme euphoria followed by a hard crash. These ups and downs can take a major toll when you are locked in an addictive cycle of substance abuse.

Chronic nausea is a frequent result of long-term substance abuse, a common withdrawal symptom and a potential sign of serious health damage.

Chronic stimulant abuse, substance withdrawal and overdosing on certain drugs can all cause increased heart rate and even long-term heart problems.

Long-term alcohol and drug use can damage areas of the brain responsible for memory, leading to short- and long-term loss and permanent cognitive decline.

Constant dizziness is a sign of addiction to both drugs and alcohol and is also a common withdrawal symptom as the body readjusts to normal functioning.

Chronic agitation is often observed in people with addiction due to physical and mental effects and also the constant worry of how to get more drugs or alcohol.

Both behavioural and substance addictions can lead to persistent mood disturbances, including bouts of depression, anxiety and euphoria, which can make everything from jobs to relationships very difficult.

Mouth sores are commonly associated with methamphetamine use, known as “meth mouth”, while other substance addictions can also lead to poor oral health.

Chronic substance abuse is often the cause of high blood pressure, which can contribute to heart disease and stroke if it goes unaddressed.

Various substances can cloud your cognition, impairing your clear thinking and decision-making capabilities. These problems can become chronic when you are caught in addiction.

The heightened alertness experienced from drugs like methamphetamine or cocaine can significantly disrupt your sleep and overall health if you are struggling with addiction.

Loss of coordination is often seen in long-term substance users due to damage to the brain areas that regulate motor skills.

The corrosive chemicals in smoked or inhaled drugs can damage gum tissues directly, while reduced saliva and neglect of personal hygiene can also contribute to gum disease.

Aggression can be a direct effect of various substances, a reaction to the frustration of addiction and also come from the worsening of co-occurring mental health conditions.

Addiction to substances that lower blood pressure can lead to long-term cardiovascular issues which can be potentially fatal without medical intervention.