Last Updated:
August 5th, 2025
Addiction Signs and Symptoms | Spotting Addiction
It has long been understood that the earlier professional help is sought for addiction, the better the chances of making a full and lasting recovery. One of the best ways to spot an emerging problem early is to look out for the signs and symptoms of common addictions. Here are some long-term and short-term addiction symptoms to look out for:
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Common signs and symptoms of a potential addiction
Reduced consciousness
Feeling less alert or spaced out can be a troubling sign of addiction, especially with substances that dull your senses, like alcohol or sedatives.
Teeth clenching
Regular teeth clenching when using stimulants like MDMA or methamphetamine often escalates as an addiction progresses.
Drowsiness
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.
Elevated mood
Drugs that artificially elevate your mood can be addictive as you start chasing the highs again and again.
Nasal congestion
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.
Involuntary shaking/tremors
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.
Lack of inhibition
Chronic use of alcohol or stimulants like cocaine can significantly lower inhibitions, often leading to dangerous or out-of-character behaviours.
Anxiety
Anxiety is both a common consequence of stimulant addiction and also a frequent withdrawal symptom for many addictive substances.
Lack of pain sensation
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.
Lack of awareness/inattention to surrounding people and things
Frequent substance use often results in a bubble-like state where addicts lose track of what is happening around them.
Violent behaviour
Substance addiction and withdrawal can both lead to unexpected and uncharacteristic violent outbursts as people struggle with the mental and physical effects.
Slurred speech
Many addictive substances, particularly depressants, can cause slurred speech by slowing down brain functions and affecting speech coordination.
Restlessness
Restlessness is a frequent symptom seen in those addicted to stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine, as these drugs heighten nervous system activity.
Chills
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
Delirium caused by alcohol or drug addiction or withdrawal can come on suddenly and create confusion, behavioural changes and even hallucinations.
Slowed breathing
Addiction to substances that depress the nervous system can massively increase the risk of slowed breathing and even potentially fatal respiratory depression.
Tooth decay
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
Panic attacks often come as a response to anxiety heightened by stimulant addiction or during withdrawal from substances like alcohol and benzodiazepines.
Problems thinking clearly
Substances that depress or overstimulate the nervous system can cause persistent foggy thinking, making daily life a struggle for many people with addictions.
Constipation
Constipation is a frequently encountered issue in people with addictions to opioids as these drugs slow down the body’s digestive system.
Irritability
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
Combativeness often reflects an inner struggle which can come out as defensive and aggressive behaviours when an addiction is questioned or threatened.
Runny nose/sore nose
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 judgement
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
Muscle cramping is among the most frequent signs of dependency, most commonly seen during withdrawal from substances like alcohol and opioids.
Reduced sense of pain
A reduced sense of pain is common in opioid addiction as these drugs are central nervous system depressants that block pain signals.
Seizures
Dangerous and even fatal seizures can occur as a direct consequence of excessive drug abuse or withdrawal from certain substances like alcohol and benzodiazepines.
Behaviour changes
Substance and behavioural addiction can lead to huge behavioural changes such as increased secrecy, social withdrawal or unexpected aggressive or erratic outbursts.
Agitation, drowsiness, sedation
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
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
Depression is a common mental health issue that often co-occurs with addiction, as substance abuse can exacerbate or trigger depressive thoughts and behaviours.
Delusions
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
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 judgement
Impaired judgment from substance addiction and abuse can lead to bad choices, problems assessing risk and negative impacts on every area of your life.
Intolerance to loud noise
People going through withdrawal from substances like alcohol or benzodiazepines may develop heightened sensitivity, including an intolerance to loud noises.
Dilated pupils
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
Needle marks are common signs of addiction to drugs that are taken intravenously. This can include heroin, methamphetamine and certain prescription drugs.
Sweating
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
Speech impairment is seen in addictions to various substances as they slow brain function and disrupt your normal speech processes.
Coma
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
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.
Paranoia
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
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 attention and memory
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
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.
Confusion
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.
Loss of muscle control
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.
Problems concentrating
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
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.
Lack of coordination
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
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
Irregular heartbeats are often caused by excessive stress on the cardiovascular system, particularly with long-term stimulant addictions.
Vomiting
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.
Altered VACOG (Visual, Auditory, Cognitive, Olfactory, Gustatory Perception)
Long-term drug abuse and addiction, like Cognitive can permanently disrupt sensory perception, causing lingering visual distortions or auditory hallucinations even after quitting.
Psychotic episodes
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.
Euphoria
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.
Nausea
Chronic nausea is a frequent result of long-term substance abuse, a common withdrawal symptom and a potential sign of serious health damage.
Increased heart rate
Chronic stimulant abuse, substance withdrawal and overdosing on certain drugs can all cause increased heart rate and even long-term heart problems.
Memory loss
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.
Dizziness
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.
Agitation
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.
Changes in mood
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
Mouth sores are commonly associated with methamphetamine use, known as “meth mouth”, while other substance addictions can also lead to poor oral health.
High blood pressure
Chronic substance abuse is often the cause of high blood pressure, which can contribute to heart disease and stroke if it goes unaddressed.
Problems thinking clearly
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.
Increased alertness
The heightened alertness experienced from drugs like methamphetamine or cocaine can significantly disrupt your sleep and overall health if you are struggling with addiction.
Problems with coordination
Loss of coordination is often seen in long-term substance users due to damage to the brain areas that regulate motor skills.
Gum disease
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
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.
Reduced blood pressure
Addiction to substances that lower blood pressure can lead to long-term cardiovascular issues which can be potentially fatal without medical intervention.
Oral Health Issues
Substance misuse—particularly of meth, cocaine, and alcohol—can lead to oral health issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and dry mouth due to poor hygiene, reduced saliva, and high sugar intake.
Respiratory Issues
Smoking or inhaling drugs like heroin, crack cocaine, or meth can cause respiratory issues – such as damaged lungs and airways, leading to chronic cough, infections, or breathing difficulties.
How to help someone with addiction?
The complexity of addiction symptoms and causes means that recovery requires professional treatment. This starts with detox where you are carefully weaned off drugs or alcohol to reduce the discomfort and danger of the withdrawal symptoms explained above.
Detox breaks physical dependency so that you can go on to address mental and emotional reliance through rehab. This is a programme of therapies and recovery techniques designed to address the root causes of substance abuse and reshape your thoughts and behaviours. Both detox and rehab programmes are available through the NHS and private treatment facilities across Britain.
If you want to find out more about your options or you have spotted some worrying signs of addiction, get in touch with us today for expert advice. We can help you find the best treatment programme for your needs and get you started on the path to recovery.
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Our compassionate team are ready and available to take your call, and guide you towards lasting the lasting addiction recovery you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common symptoms of addiction?
The typical signs of addiction encompass a range of physical, psychological and behavioural symptoms. These can include persistent use of the substance despite health problems, withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit, neglecting your personal and professional responsibilities, secretive behaviour and big changes in your mood or habits.
Can addiction symptoms develop without daily use?
Yes, addiction symptoms can develop without daily use. Addiction is more about the inability to control substance use and the impact it has on your life rather than how often you are using drugs or alcohol.
How do I know if my substance use is becoming an addiction?
You might develop an addiction if you find it hard to control your substance use, spend a lot of time thinking about or obtaining the substance, neglect other aspects of your life, experience withdrawal symptoms when not using or continue to use despite negative consequences.
