addiction is a biopsychosocial disorder marked by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite negative consequences – which can often be extremely dangerous and potentially life-threatening. Addiction is a chronic disease that affects brain function and causes changes in behaviour.
Drug addiction (including alcoholism) refers to the compulsive use of a substance or substances, whereas behavioural addiction refers to the compulsion to engage in a certain activity or pattern of behaviours.
While the mechanics behind the two types of addiction can be extremely similar, this page will focus on the former (drug addiction). The element that binds everything together is the reward. Both pursuits alter our brain’s reward system, which is why we may get addicted to them.
Addiction is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
When someone becomes addicted, they often develop tolerance to the effects of the substance or activity. This means that they require higher doses of the drug or more frequent exposure to the activity to achieve the desired effect. Over time, they may begin to experience physical dependence on the substance or activity. Physical dependence occurs when the body needs the substance or activity to function.
When someone is addicted, if they stop taking the substance or performing the addictive behaviour, they will experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, restlessness, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and muscle aches. They may also feel depressed and crave the substance or activity that caused them to become addicted.
While there are many signs and symptoms that are typical in such conditions, it is possible for someone to be addicted without displaying all – or even any – of these signs and symptoms. Furthermore, even if they are addicted to the same substance, one person’s addiction may appear extremely different from another in terms of physical manifestations. And those addicted to various substances may exhibit drastically different symptoms (see below for details of the symptoms typically associated with specific substances of abuse). That stated the majority of addiction cases can be identified by a set of symptoms.
Addiction has the potential to quickly become a life-altering disease with far-reaching consequences for the addict and those around them. Addiction can and typically do have a tremendous physical, mental, emotional, financial impact on the addict, which will become increasingly difficult to hide from others (despite the addict’s best attempts).
Addiction can cause changes in a person’s personality, habits, peer group, appearance, hygiene, nutrition and sleeping patterns, sexual behaviour, language, financial status, worldview, and a variety of other aspects, all of which can signal to others the presence of a problem. Addiction is frequently linked to a variety of different issues and conditions, including physical illnesses, mental health disorders, both of which can have their own set of symptoms.
Along with any of these externally visible signs of addiction that others may notice, one important sign of addiction is entirely internal: regardless of any other symptoms or the lack thereof, if your loved one believes they have an addiction and knows they have tried but failed to stop, they are almost certainly an addict and should seek help regardless of how the situation looks from the outside.
Unsurprisingly, the physical symptoms of drug abuse differ significantly from one substance to the next: someone who is injecting heroin, for example, would look and act very differently than someone who is using a stimulant like cocaine, and then again from someone who is using hallucinogens.
While simply having ingested a drug does not necessarily indicate an addiction, if someone consistently displays signs of intoxication (of any type), concerns should be raised that their substance abuse is occurring on a regular enough basis to constitute a problem.
For example, observing someone “high” on cocaine once at a party may not indicate that they have a problem; if they are “high” every time they go out, it is far more likely that their use of the drug has gone well beyond the recreational.
With that in mind, it’s possible that some physical symptoms of addiction are universal, regardless of the substance in question. These include:
Different substances can cause quite diverse behaviours in the individuals who consume them. For example, someone taking heavy sedatives is likely to act very differently than someone who has taken stimulants.
Regardless of the substance, if there is a sudden or pronounced change in someone’s behaviour, that may well indicate the presence of substance abuse and possibly addiction.
Someone who is normally calm and laid-back beginning to display frequent agitation, bursts of unusual energy, or bouts of aggression could well (but not definitely) be under the influence of drugs.
Some behavioural symptoms which may be common across addiction, regardless of type, may include:
The presence of one or more of these symptoms does not always imply addiction, and anyone noticing them in a loved one, friend, or colleague should avoid jumping to conclusions without more consideration since there could be another legitimate reason. However, if multiple of these symptoms are present at the same time, you should be concerned.
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Addiction can have a devastating emotional impact on those who are battling it. Certain substances have a powerful psychological influence, and the negative effects of addiction on a person’s self-esteem, life prospects, and interpersonal relationships can all be extremely damaging.
Depression is one of the most common and harmful symptoms of addiction, affecting many addicts and leading to a tragically high number of suicides. Considerably lowered self-esteem and self-worth, as well as emotions of despair and existential anxiety, are all common reactions to the strain of addiction.
Nevertheless, while addicts are under the influence of their drug of choice, their moods can be dramatically enhanced, leading to pleasure and feelings of euphoria.
Because of the immediate and long-term effects of the substance(s) consumed, as well as the broader ramifications of addiction, an addict’s ability to engage emotionally with others on a regular basis can be severely limited. For example, they may find it difficult to reciprocate feelings of tenderness or kindness, or even love.
While it is difficult for an addict to trust others, it is also difficult for an addict to trust themselves. This is partially due to the fact that they may have surrounded themselves with untrustworthy people as a result of drug usage, and partly due to the fact that they may find it difficult to trust themselves after breaking various commitments to themselves or others.
Emotional problems of various types are common among addicts, and while emotional volatility is not always a result of addiction, it is a common symptom of substance use disorder.
Common Psychological Symptoms of Addiction include:
Speak to us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options and to find the best alcohol rehab centre.
Profound behavioural change is one of the most prevalent and visible symptoms that someone is regularly misusing alcohol or drugs and may be battling with an addiction.
Family members are often the ones who know a person best and so are best placed to notice such changes in behaviour. They are the most familiar with an individual’s quirks (for example, recognising when that person is dishonest or sad, even if they are able to hide it from most other people) and so be able to recognise symptoms that are unique to that person.
Many people, on the other hand, find it difficult to believe that a loved one could be abusing substances, let alone develop an addiction and may be blind (willfully or not) to signals that anyone outside the family would notice right away. It’s vital to realise that addiction is a disease that can afflict anyone.
If you suspect a member of your family is battling with an addiction, research the signs and symptoms and, if that person exhibits some of them, rule out any other probable causes. Do not jump to the conclusion that addiction is the root of the problem. On the other hand, don’t rule it out. Just because they’re a member of your family doesn’t mean they’re immune to the appeal of substance abuse, which may result in addiction.
Addiction is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
While many of the symptoms are common to addiction in general, the effects of substance abuse differ significantly from one drug to another – and because one of the most visible signs of addiction is regular or even constant intoxication, it’s critical to understand how such intoxication manifests itself through each substance. Similarly, intoxication’s aftereffects – and, in certain cases, the long-term effects of continuous use – can differ significantly from substance to substance.
Cannabis (also known as marijuana) is the most widely used illegal substance in the world, and a significant subculture has sprung up around its use and related activities. The image of the cannabis leaf has become something of a “brand,” appearing on everything from apparel and jewellery to posters, furniture, and automobile stickers.
It is conceivable for someone to display such pictures without necessarily engaging in cannabis consumption; nonetheless, it is safe to assume that anyone who does so is at least somewhat familiar with the drug. It is also conceivable for someone to have gear commonly associated with cannabis use – such as bongs or other smoking equipment – without actually using it to consume cannabis. However, in most circumstances, such equipment and cannabis use go hand-in-hand.
Simply smoking cannabis, even on a regular basis, does not necessarily indicate addiction: many people over the world are able to engage in recreational marijuana usage without developing an addiction.
Cannabis has only recently been considered addictive. The current medical opinion is that this is a psychologically addictive substance, and there are tragically many examples of people of all ages who have developed a cannabis addiction that has had a negative impact on their life.
The unmistakable odour of cannabis, which can cling to clothing and hair and dominate a room, is one obvious evidence that someone has been smoking it (this does not apply in circumstances when they have consumed it by other means).
Cannabis consumption can also lead to:
Although the relationship is not yet entirely understood, cannabis consumption has been associated with the onset of some mental disorders, including psychosis.
A key factor in determining addiction is whether a cannabis user feels able to cease using the drug and if doing so leads to irritability and other unpleasant withdrawal symptoms (for example, insomnia and depression).
If you are concerned that your cannabis use has become an addiction, it is recommended that you contact an addiction specialist or your GP as soon as possible to get a professional diagnosis and, if necessary, discuss treatment options.
In recent years, a new wave of so-called “designer drugs” has entered the market, quickly establishing themselves as the drugs of choice for users in the United Kingdom and around the world.
Because of their novelty – and because their chemical make-up can vary widely as a result of producers attempting to circumvent existing legislation targeting specific compounds – these substances (including synthetic cannabinoids and “New Psychoactive Substances” or NPS), the long-term damage they cause, and how to treat persons affected by them, are comparably little understood medically.
The fact that they cause substantial harm is undeniable: the impact of some of the substances can now be seen on the streets of Britain’s towns and cities in the shape of affected users whose behaviour ranges from hyperaggressive to “zombielike” and even catatonic.
Spice and K2 are synthetic cannabinoids that are commonly smoked and were originally advertised as alternatives to cannabis (having the same active ingredient, THC), but with effects that are distinct, and often more severe and debilitating than, even powerful cannabis.
Synthetic cannabinoids can cause severe cognitive impairment, loss of motor control, psychotic-type behaviour, unconsciousness, and seizures; other side effects include central nervous system problems, cardiovascular difficulties, pulmonary problems, and kidney damage; and, unlike marijuana, there have been a number of deaths linked to synthetic cannabinoid overdose.
They’re also thought to be far more addictive than cannabis, with intense withdrawal symptoms reported after stopping use and overwhelming and upsetting cravings that endure for weeks after the last dose.
Bath salts” is a slang term for a variety of substances that are typically found in powder form and contain mephedrone, methylone, or another cathinone chemical – though due to the vast variety of NPS available, there is no guarantee that a dose of bath salts will contain any one of the listed substances.
As a result, the effects of these drugs can vary. Even though, all these substances have stimulant effects such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, muscle spasms, increased sexual desire, dilated pupils, raised body temperature, and euphoria, as well as the potential for hallucinations.
Bath salt abuse has been linked to headaches, nausea, renal failure, heart attack, liver failure, paranoia, agitation, dehydration, inability to sense pain, suicidal ideation, and serious violence.
Barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and hypnotics (including sedative-hypnotics) are prescription drugs used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and other sleep disorders, as well as convulsions, agitation, seizures, muscle spasms, and hyperactivity disorders. Benzodiazepines are sometimes used to treat alcohol withdrawal. Despite being widely prescribed in the UK, these drugs are known to be addictive, and they can be extremely harmful (withdrawal from some benzodiazepines, in particular, can be fatal).
Motor skills loss, cognitive impairment, depression, emotional volatility, decreased sex drive, dizziness, nausea, changes in appetite, blurred vision, sleeping problems, confusion, hypotension, liver toxicity, and a variety of neurological disorders are some of the negative side effects of prescription drugs (for side-effects associated with specific medicines, speak with your GP about the substance in question).
As well as the manifestation of any of those signs, and the general symptoms given in previous sections, an addiction to any of these medicines may also give rise to specific behaviours such as “prescription shopping” (going to various different doctors in order to be prescribed large quantities of the drug), consuming the drug in much greater doses and for much longer than prescribed, grinding down tablets into a powder so as to consume them by other methods (such as snorting or injecting); and concealing tablets in various parts of the home other than a recognised medicine cabinet.
Stopping using the drug after a long period of abuse, can cause unpleasant and potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms. If such symptoms persist, you’re almost certainly addicted to the substance, and you should seek medical help. If you suspect you are addicted or have attempted unsuccessfully to stop using any of these drugs, you should seek help as soon as possible.
Speak to us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options and to find the best alcohol rehab centre.
Cocaine is one of the most commonly used illegal substances in the UK, and it is also one of the most psychologically addictive Crystal meth (methamphetamine) is less common here than in other parts of the world, but its abuse is growing year by year.
These drugs cause intense euphoria and excitement in drug users. When abused with higher doses, signs such as hyperactivity, agitation, aggression, sexualised behaviour and heightened libido, muscle spasms, sweating, increased heart and breathing rates, incoherence, jittery eyes, and mood swings, as well as the visible effects of the mode of consumption such as a raw, runny nose or puncture wounds are all common side effects.
Long-term abuse of these substances can cause serious – and sometimes deadly – health problems such as stroke, heart attack, lung and other organ failure, seizures, and a variety of neurological diseases.
Along with the general symptoms, there are typically evident financial signals associated with the disorder, which commonly leads to substantially deteriorating living conditions. These medicines can be expensive, and addiction may require a regular intake of large quantities. People who use these types of stimulants are significantly more prone than the general population to engage in dangerous behaviour, such as promiscuous sex, which has obvious implications for physical safety and health.
Though these substances are primarily psychologically addictive, withdrawal symptoms can be severe and distressing. Cravings can be very strong: the most visible sign of stimulant addiction is extreme agitation, which is often caused by an inability to consume the drug, and addicts frequently engage in previously unheard-of behaviour – potentially dangerous or criminal – in order to get their next “fix.”
As the name implies, it refers to compounds commonly consumed at nightclubs, raves, and similar environments, but it could also refer to drugs like stimulants, hallucinogens (see below), new psychoactive substances, even if consumed recreationally in other settings.
Ecstasy/MDMA and ketamine are the two most common chemical compounds classified as “club drugs” in the United Kingdom. Ecstasy is a psychoactive substance with stimulant and minor hallucinogenic effects that produces strong euphoria, empathy, and disinhibition in the user. It is commonly obtained in tablet or crystal form. Paranoia, teeth grinding, clouded eyesight, raised body temperature, insomnia, despair, and organ failure are just a few of the harmful consequences of abusing this drug.
Ketamine, on the other hand, is an anaesthetic with psychedelic and dissociative properties. It’s usually abused in powder form, which can induce breathing problems, hypertension, intense confusion and paranoia, and organ failure. Long-term abuse has been linked to chronic bladder damage, which often leads to surgical removal and incontinence.
Both of these substances are mostly psychologically addictive, while they are linked to a limited degree of physical dependency (especially with ketamine), with withdrawal symptoms such as tremors, nausea, and dizziness.
It may be difficult to distinguish signs of addiction beyond the generic symptoms listed in previous sections, but consistent presentations of some of the symptoms and side effects of intoxication, as well as bouts of extremely low mood in the days after intake, could indicate regular and possibly excessive consumption.
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Drugs that cause hallucinations, such as visual hallucinations and subjective disturbances in thought patterns and consciousness, are known as hallucinogens. LSD, which is typically found on blotter paper or in liquid form, and “magic mushrooms” (which are various species of fungus in the psilocybin genus), are the most commonly used hallucinogens in the UK.
Other less commonly used drugs include DMT, ayahuasca, mescaline, PCP, and a variety of new psychoactive substances. Ketamine is also a hallucinogen, and hallucinations can occur from a variety of other chemicals, depending on the dosage and the neurology of the person in question.
Observers may notice significantly altered behaviour in someone under the influence of hallucinogens, which may appear incredibly weird – even insane. While hallucinogens are not normally considered addictive in and of themselves, their excessive use can lead to psychological addiction — and long-term use of hallucinogens has been linked to a variety of disorders, including psychosis and permanent behavioural change. Any regular manifestations of unusual behaviour or dramatic changes in character, in addition to the generalised symptoms indicated in preceding sections, could be a reflection of hallucinogen abuse.
Heroin is an opioid, a narcotic that has morphine-like effects. It is probably the most notoriously destructive addictive drug. Despite differences in appearance and legal status (for example, heroin is typically found in the form of a brown powder and obtained through street dealers, while various opioid medications may be prescribed by doctors in tablet or liquid form), the effects of opioid consumption and addiction can be discussed together. However, heroin is typically considered a distinct substance both in mainstream culture and on the street.
Opioids can be taken orally, smoked, snorted, or injected, and they have anaesthetic properties. Those used recreationally – particularly heroin – are commonly used for the euphoria, strong physical pleasure, and sense of well-being and contentment they provide. However, they are both psychologically and physically addictive. Once dependence and tolerance have developed, the need to consume the drug can become all-consuming, with users focusing solely on obtaining and taking opioids to avoid the extremely unpleasant withdrawal symptoms – which can include muscle cramps, nausea, insomnia, restlessness, flu-like symptoms, itching, agitation, depression, and despair – that set in within a day or so of stopping the use.
These withdrawal symptoms are the most physically obvious signs of addiction. It is possible for an opioid addict to go undetected while taking the drug on a regular basis as long as these symptoms do not appear, and the addiction does not cause the broader generalised symptoms of life deterioration outlined in previous sections. However, perhaps more than any other substance, opioid addiction has such catastrophic effects, relatively to other substances.
As a result of unsanitary injecting procedures, those taking such drugs intravenously will frequently get puncture wounds, scabs, and infections, as well as other ailments such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C. Meanwhile, personal neglect can lead to malnutrition (and related diseases), weight loss, and hair loss.
Because of the extremely illegal nature of these narcotics and the severe penalties involved with their distribution, as well as the social stigma associated with their use, opioid addicts are known for their secrecy, furtiveness, and deception. Moreover, due to the nature of these types of drugs, acts of violence and many other crimes are frequently associated with heroin and other opioids, while isolation and disconnection from friends and family are common and, in fact, practically unavoidable effects of addiction.
Addiction is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to substance abuse, let alone addiction. If you think you could have an addiction – if you’ve tried and failed to stop using a substance, or if you’re experiencing any of the signs and symptoms of addiction listed on this page – contact your doctor or speak with an addiction specialist. Because the potential negative consequences of addiction are so severe, it is not worth risking them just to avoid embarrassment.
If you start to experience any dangerous or concerning symptoms – especially those that could indicate a serious health condition or an overdose, such as difficulty breathing, chest pains, nausea and dizziness, fainting, or seizures – call 999 straight away and tell them what you’ve taken, how much, when, and how. Similarly, if you notice somebody near you exhibiting any of these signs, contact 999 immediately.
If you are struggling with addiction and want to make a positive change in your life, there is help available. As soon as you are able to accept you have a problem and are willing to seek help, you will be on your path to treatment and, eventually, recovery and a better life.
It is never too late to change and live a healthy, happy life, no matter how serious or lengthy your addiction has been; many thousands of people throughout the world have gotten addiction treatment and have been able to give up even the most addictive substances of abuse. It’s possible that you’re one of them.
In every case of addiction, time is of the essence. The longer you fight with addiction, the more likely you are to experience irreparable harm, whether as a result of an overdose or accident, an act of substance abuse-related violence, or the impact on your life prospects and valued relationships. If you’re ready to ask for help, don’t put it off any longer: make the call now.
Explain your situation to your doctor, an addiction specialist, or a rehab facility directly, and state that you are willing to do whatever it takes to overcome your addiction and return to a happy life. Every day matters therefore make today the start of the rest of your life.
No matter how long you’ve let your addiction dominate you, it’s never too late to reclaim control, and with the support of highly skilled and understanding specialists, your addiction can soon be a thing of the past, allowing you to move on into an immeasurably brighter and more positive future.
Breaking an addiction can be a frightening prospect, not only because of the withdrawal symptoms but also because contemplating life without your drug of choice can be daunting. It is, however, more horrifying to consider never being able to overcome your addiction and allowing it to consume your life entirely. The medical and therapeutic help now available, as well as the support networks that can be established both during and after treatment, are especially powerful and can assist even the most uncooperative and dependent addicts in gaining back their feet and moving on to a happy and successful life.
Signs of addiction often include:
Addictions can take over a person’s life and if they are left untreated, they can result in a wide array of long-term problems. The following are among the many negative effects that can result from addictions and addictive behaviours:
In addition, alcohol and drug addictions in particular are associated with a wide range of long-term physical consequences, which can be devastating and can even result in death. Long term physical health consequences that are related to substance abuse include:
Children are especially vulnerable to becoming addicted to drugs and alcohol. Children who abuse substances tend to start young, and they usually continue abusing drugs and alcohol throughout adolescence.
These are some of the Signs your child has a drug problem:
1 - Physical clues
Change in eating habits and unexplained weight loss or gain
Inability to sleep or wake up at usual times
Red or watery eyes, pupils larger or smaller than a normal, blank stare, sniffing all the time
Excessive sweating, tremors, or shakes
Cold, sweaty palms or shaking hands; nausea or vomiting
Extreme hyperactivity or excessive talkativeness
2 - Sudden and sustained emotional changes
Loss of interest in the family
Signs of paranoia, such as being overly secretive or hiding behind locked doors
General lack of motivation, energy, self-esteem
Chronic dishonesty
Moodiness, irritability, nervousness
3 - A pattern of changes in school attendance and grades.
4 - Several instances of unaccountable money or unexplained loss of money.
5 - Dramatic changes in friendships.
If you suffer from addiction, you need to get help. The sooner you do so, the better off you'll be. In fact, research shows that people who receive treatment early in their recovery process have much lower rates of relapse than those who don't.
Treatment rehab centres specialise in helping people overcome addictions. They teach skills that can help you deal with cravings and manage urges. They also provide support groups and counselling sessions. These tools can help you learn how to cope with triggers and situations that lead to relapses.
No matter where you live, there are drug and alcohol rehab options for you to discover. Treatment providers are waiting to answer your questions. Get started today.
Cocaine addiction is a complex issue that can be influenced by powerful emotions such as guilt and shame. Guilt arises from the negative consequences of drug use, leading to feelings of self-blame and loss of control. On the other hand, shame affects an individual’s self-worth and may stem from past traumas or experiences. For those … Continued
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