Knowing the Signs
If you think that you or someone you love has an addiction problem, consider these signs of possible addiction, and seek help from an outpatient addiction treatment program if necessary:- Physical symptoms – These are some of the most recognizable symptoms of drug or alcohol abuse. Some changes in appearance common to users of drugs and alcohol include bloodshot or glazed eyes, dilated pupils, and abrupt weight changes. While not everyone who has lost a little weight or who has bloodshot eyes one morning has a drug or alcohol problem, if physical signs appear along with other signs, it may be likely that a substance problem exists.
- Behavioral symptoms – Drugs and alcohol can have a huge impact on a person’s behavior and habits. Over time, drug and alcohol abuse can have an impact on an addict’s brain, making coherent thought and focus more difficult. Some changes in personality that may indicate a drug problem include increased irritability, depression, dramatic changes in priorities, and sudden mood swings.
- Criminal activity – The need to acquire money to pay for drugs often pushes addicts into criminal activity. A decrease in inhibitions caused by drug use makes this behavior more likely. People who are ordinarily law-abiding may turn to theft or embezzlement to support their habit.
- Financial problems – Sudden financial problems can be a sign of a drug or alcohol problem, as the cost of maintaining and hiding the habit can be high. If a friend or loved one suddenly begins piling up debt and exhibits financially reckless behavior, it may be a sign of a substance abuse problem.
- Relationship woes – People suffering from drug or alcohol problems often have unstable relationships, as the mental health issues caused by substance abuse impair their ability to sustain healthy friendships and romantic relationships with others.
Consequences of Untreated Addiction
Untreated drug or alcohol addiction has a wide range of serious consequences. Escalating use increases an addict’s chances of running afoul of the law by way of an arrest for DUI, public intoxication, or illegal drug possession. Addicts also run the risk of losing their jobs because of diminished performance or drug testing. Family relationships and friendships often suffer, and, as mentioned, drug and alcohol addicts frequently run into financial problems related to their substance abuse.There are also the long-term medical consequences of drug abuse to consider. The use of illicit drugs and alcohol can have severe negative impacts, especially if the abuse continues over years and decades. Some of the major physiological consequences of long-term drug or alcohol abuse include:- Kidney damage – Habitual drug use can cause substantial damage to the kidneys over years of abuse. Many abusers of crystal meth and heroin develop kidney failure. One kidney problem that can develop as a result of heroin and cocaine abuse is rhabdomyolysis, which occurs when muscle tissue breaks down and releases proteins into the blood, which can cause kidney damage. Alcohol can also cause changes in kidney structure and function.
- Liver damage – Alcohol abuse is commonly associated with liver damage, particularly cirrhosis of the liver, but drug abuse can also result in liver damage. Cirrhosis causes healthy liver tissue to be replaced with scar tissue, impeding the flow of blood through the liver and impairing its ability to process toxins. In addition to alcohol, Vicodin and OxyContin abuse can also cause liver damage.
- Heart damage – Cocaine and other stimulants can do severe damage to the heart each time they’re abused. Drug use can result in heart failure and abnormal heart rate, as well as a variety of other conditions. Even so-called “soft” drugs like inhalants can result in heart failure. Injection drug use can also result in cardiovascular problems, as it can cause collapsed veins and contribute to bacterial infections of blood vessels.
- Lung damage – Addicts who smoke drugs can sustain severe damage to their lungs over time. With some drugs, such as crack cocaine or crystal meth, the damage occurs more quickly. Addicts who smoke crack or crystal meth can sustain the same amount of damage to their lungs in a short period of time that tobacco users sustain over decades of use. Also, although marijuana is often categorized as harmless, regular use of the drug can cause lung damage over time.
