What are the Signs of Drug Addiction?

Another complication of addiction is that it doesn’t discriminate, meaning that anyone has the potential to develop a physical or psychological dependency. Even recreational use can cause dependency and create the need for addiction treatment. Because addiction is progressive, understanding the signs of drug addiction is essential since early treatment drastically improves recovery outcomes. 1 out of every 7 Americans will eventually develop a substance abuse disorder in their lifetime, while 20 million Americans battle addiction, and 15 million struggle with alcoholism annually. Substance abuse disorders are chronic and progressive diseases, meaning that although they’re incurable, you must learn how to manage your symptoms throughout your lifetime.

Addiction is defined as a mental health disease that causes you to compulsively abuse your substance of choice despite wanting to stop using and encountering negative consequences as a result of your use. All psychoactive substances, including prescription medications, are neurotransmitter inhibitors that carry the risk of abuse. Neurotransmitter inhibitors force your brain to release more neurotransmitters than it should, ultimately resulting in a depletion once intoxication ends. Drugs can cause two types of addiction: psychological and physical. The main difference between the two is that physical addictions cause withdrawal symptoms, although both types of addiction require treatment. Signs of drug addiction can appear at any stage of a substance abuse disorder and are sometimes difficult to recognize. During addiction, it’s common to conceal your drug use, meaning that it’s typical to hide signs of drug addiction from friends, family members, and loved ones. Some of the most common signs of drug addiction can include:

Drugs interfering with your daily life
Spending excessive amounts of money on drugs
Using alone
Changes in appearance and/or personality
Unexplained financial problems

It’s important to remember that the signs of drug addiction vary because everyone is unique. When you are demonstrating signs of drug addiction, it’s imperative to reach out for help from a drug addiction treatment center program.

How is Addiction Treated?

When you develop a substance abuse disorder, completing treatment is the first step in fully recovering. Drug addiction rehab centers offer both inpatient and outpatient programs that combine evidence-based and holistic therapies. Residential settings are best if you have a severe or lengthy addiction, multiple attempts at treatment, or a co-occurring condition. It’s also best to complete an inpatient program if you have a physical dependency, as substance abuse treatment programs can significantly reduce your symptoms, making it easier to begin recovery. While it takes time for your brain and neurotransmitter receptors to heal from addiction, treatment ensures that you have the support and guidance necessary to navigate sobriety. Cravings and post-acute withdrawal symptoms can linger for several weeks or longer after your last use, which is why treatment programs ensure that you have the tools you need to cope with cravings and adversity. Another way treatment helps you prepare for sobriety is by assisting you in creating an effective relapse prevention plan. Relapsing is a common problem during recovery and occurs when you begin abusing drugs and/or alcohol after achieving a sustained period of abstinence. You can relapse by abusing the same substance you previously were addicted to or can begin abusing a different substance, which is why completely abstaining from all psychoactive substances is essential during recovery.

Starting Treatment Today

Addiction is a cunning disease that can impact nearly every aspect of your life. Because symptoms continue to become more severe the longer you avoid treatment, reaching out for help when you first notice signs of drug addiction is the best way to improve your chances of beating addiction.