10 signs and symptoms of addiction and how to recognize them

Addiction is a complex disorder characterized by an uncontrollable need for substances or behaviors, leading to personal, social, and functional dysfunction. It develops when elevated dopamine levels in the brain, which are necessary for forming long-term memories and motivating non-habitual behavior, become consistently disrupted. This disruption creates a compulsive urge to seek and use the addictive substance or engage in the activity despite negative consequences.

Issues at work or school, such as absenteeism or loss of focus, may indicate a potential problem. Addiction often results in a loss of energy and motivation, neglect of personal appearance, and a general decline in the quality of daily tasks and responsibilities. Excessive spending, engaging in risky behavior, stealing, lying or acting secretively, withdrawing from responsibilities and social activities, losing interest in hobbies or activities, and sudden changes in personality and behavior are all signs that may indicate addiction.

The most common symptoms of addiction include a strong craving for the addictive substance or activity, experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stopping, and a noticeable increase in the amount needed to achieve the same effect. According to Wise, R., & Robble, M. (2020) in Dopamine and Addiction in Annual Review of Psychology, elevated dopamine levels in the brain are crucial for understanding the core mechanisms behind addiction.

Problems at Work or School Due to Addiction

Addiction can have a significant impact on work and academic performance. It leads to changes in how tasks are completed, with a noticeable decline in quality and productivity. Additionally, addiction causes increased social issues and difficulties meeting deadlines. An addicted individual often struggles with unexplained absences and patterns of neglecting responsibilities. Suspicious behavior and declining performance become evident with substance abuse.

It is clear that addicted individuals miss deadlines, make more frequent mistakes, submit incomplete assignments, and receive lower grades or performance evaluations. A decline in usual engagement is visible; an addicted person is easily distracted and exhibits an unfocused attitude. Absenteeism becomes frequent, such as missing work or school on Mondays, leaving early, or consistently arriving late.

Behavioral changes in a person struggling with addiction include failing to complete assigned tasks, forgetting meetings, and avoiding responsibilities. Secrecy toward colleagues or classmates becomes increasingly problematic, as does interacting with others due to the addict’s mood swings.

Loss of Energy and Motivation Due to Addiction

One of the most common signs of addiction is a loss of energy and motivation. This manifests in reduced work performance, where tasks and responsibilities that were previously completed are now left unfinished. Academic results can decline significantly due to a lack of effort and missed deadlines. There is also decreased participation in social events, as well as absences from school, work, and meetings.

According to Volkow, Fowler, & Wang (2003), addiction is characterized by an increased value placed on drug-related stimuli, a decreased sensitivity to natural rewards, and dysfunction in prefrontal regions, resulting in compulsive drug intake. This brain dysfunction helps explain why individuals with addiction struggle to maintain motivation for daily activities and responsibilities, while their focus on substance use intensifies.

A noticeable decline in the quality and quantity of work and academic performance is often present. This is due to reduced attention to detail, inconsistent performance, and an overall decrease in effort toward tasks that were once considered important. Procrastination, avoidance of new projects or tasks, and reluctance to participate in group projects or discussions may also indicate an underlying addiction.

Physical symptoms, such as unusual fatigue or fluctuating energy levels, can also be signs of addiction. These physical symptoms, combined with a loss of motivation for previously enjoyed activities, further amplify the impact of addiction on an individual’s overall well-being and functioning.

Overall, addiction leads to a significant decline in quality of life, with the affected person experiencing progressively less energy and motivation for both professional and personal commitments. Recognizing these signs is crucial for providing necessary help and support to someone struggling with addiction.

Neglect of Appearance Due to Addiction

Individuals struggling with addiction often neglect their appearance, leading to noticeable changes in personal grooming and hygiene. This neglect may manifest in unwashed, greasy hair and a lack of basic hygiene practices such as regular showering or bathing. It is not uncommon for individuals to stop using essential products like deodorant or toothpaste, which can result in noticeable body odor and dental issues. Clothing is often neglected—left unwashed, wrinkled, or inappropriate for the weather—indicating a general lack of attention to appearance.

Physical signs of addiction may also be evident in body weight fluctuations or facial changes, such as swollen cheeks or redness around the nose. Skin problems, including worsened acne due to poor hygiene and improper nutrition, and neglected nail care are also common indicators.

These changes are not just physical but also reflect behavioral aspects of addiction. Ignoring personal grooming, such as not trimming hair or maintaining a usual hairstyle, can signal a deeper struggle. Consistently wearing inappropriate or mismatched clothing suggests a loss of interest or awareness of social norms.

Seeking professional help is essential for someone battling addiction and the resulting neglect of their appearance. An integrated approach that addresses both addiction and its physical and behavioral effects can support recovery and the maintenance of personal care.

Spending Excessive Amounts on an Addictive Substance

Addiction can lead to excessive spending on an addictive substance, resulting in severe consequences. Financial problems often arise as individuals neglect basic necessities to allocate money for their addiction. This can lead to debt, frequently borrowing money from friends, or selling personal belongings. Unexplained cash shortages and suspicious patterns of withdrawals or expenditures are red flags, as well as secrecy about finances, hiding receipts or bank statements, and lying about expenses.

Beyond financial consequences, addiction also significantly impacts personal and professional life. Work performance may decline, potentially leading to job loss. Academic performance can suffer, reducing future opportunities. Personal relationships often deteriorate, with increased tension and conflicts with loved ones. In extreme cases, individuals may resort to stealing from family and friends to sustain their addiction.

Recognizing these signs early and adopting an appropriate intervention strategy is crucial in providing help. Addressing the underlying causes and offering support are essential steps in breaking the cycle of addiction.

Engaging in Risky Behavior Due to Addiction

Addiction often drives individuals to engage in risky behavior. This includes financially irresponsible actions such as excessive spending or gambling, committing theft or fraud to fund the addiction, and engaging in unsafe sexual encounters or exchanging sexual favors for drugs or money. Additionally, buying or selling illegal drugs, violating parole conditions, and participating in illegal activities to obtain substances are common indicators.

Risky behavior due to addiction also includes driving under the influence, using drugs with shared needles, and neglecting safety at work or school, which negatively impacts performance and social interactions. Research by Chen et al. (2020) indicates that substance use is associated with impaired risk-based decision-making, emphasizing the importance of interventions aimed at improving decision-making skills in individuals with addiction to prevent relapse and support rehabilitation.

Stealing to Obtain Addictive Substances

In some cases, addiction can lead to theft as a means to acquire addictive substances. According to Felson, R., & Staff, J. (2017) in “Committing Economic Crime for Drug Money” from Crime & Delinquency, economic crimes are more frequently committed by daily users of heroin, crack cocaine, or powdered cocaine, but also by less frequent users and those with limited access to legitimate income.

Addiction can create financial strain, driving individuals to resort to illegal means to fund their substance use. This includes stealing money, selling personal belongings, or committing theft in the workplace. Changes in financial behavior can indicate an underlying problem. Recognizing these warning signs is crucial to providing the right support for individuals struggling with addiction.

Lying or Secretive Behavior About Substance Use

Individuals struggling with addiction may lie or act secretively about their substance use. Research by Harrison, E., Haaga, J., & Richards, T. (1993) indicates that self-reported data on drug use is often accurate, but underreporting or denial can occur due to external influences. Signs of this behavior include unexplained absences, vague stories, and inconsistent actions.

Addicted individuals may attempt to conceal their whereabouts or activities with contradictory explanations, provide unnecessary details, contradict themselves, or become defensive and angry when questioned. They might use excuses to avoid situations or actions, hide personal belongings, and withdraw from social groups.

Physical signs include wearing long sleeves or sunglasses at inappropriate times to hide marks from drug use. Changes in social patterns, sudden mood swings, and increased irritability are also common indicators. Recognizing these signs can be the first step toward seeking professional help.

Withdrawing from Responsibilities and Socializing

Addiction often leads to withdrawing from responsibilities and avoiding social interactions. Work performance declines, which is crucial for success in school or a career. There is a significant drop in the quality and completion of tasks, and other responsibilities—such as family obligations, household chores, and childcare—are neglected.

Appointments and events are forgotten, and there is a noticeable decrease in social interactions. Individuals may decline invitations to gatherings, sometimes at the last moment. They withdraw from conversations and avoid eye contact during meetings. This behavior indicates a loss of interest in activities they previously enjoyed. An addicted person becomes increasingly isolated and often prefers to be alone.

Loss of Interest in Activities or Hobbies Due to Addiction

A noticeable sign of addiction is losing interest in activities or hobbies. This behavior is a direct result of the increasing focus on obtaining and using the addictive substance, leaving little time or attention for previously enjoyed pursuits. McLellan (2017) highlights in “Substance Misuse and Substance Use Disorders: Why Do They Matter in America?” how substance abuse affects daily activities and interests.

Addiction leads to a narrowing of life around the substance, pushing hobbies and social events into the background. Individuals may stop participating in group activities, decline invitations, and withdraw from friendships, often making excuses to justify their avoidance. This process of distancing from friends and family, while forming new relationships primarily based on substance use, indicates a shift in priorities.

Responsibilities, such as managing finances or maintaining memberships, are often neglected. This behavior is frequently accompanied by emotional and behavioral changes, such as mood swings, irritability, a lack of enjoyment, or general disinterest in what once brought happiness. The loss of interest in activities and hobbies is not just a symptom of addiction but also an indicator of the broader emotional and social consequences of substance abuse.

Changes in Personality and Behavior Due to Addiction

Addiction can lead to significant changes in personality and behavior, causing concern among loved ones. People struggling with addiction often experience a decline in work performance or academic achievements due to a lack of concentration. There is an increased likelihood of making mistakes, and workplace or traffic safety can be compromised. Socially, they withdraw, lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, and neglect personal relationships.

Substance abuse can result in the loss of family and friends. A decline in motivation is also a key indicator, along with personality changes such as increased irritability, aggression, frequent outbursts of anger, and feelings of frustration or agitation. These mood swings and unpredictable reactions indicate difficulty in managing emotions, making addicts seem less reliable.

Addiction can also lead to depression, anxiety, persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and panic attacks. Behavioral changes become apparent; individuals respond evasively, make excuses, and often neglect their responsibilities. There is a noticeable decline in fulfilling obligations, maintaining personal hygiene, and caring for their appearance.

An addicted person may exhibit impulsive or risky behavior by disregarding the law, such as driving under the influence. Social isolation is a common issue, with individuals avoiding gatherings, neglecting healthy relationships, and spending time in new social circles associated with substance use. Cognitive problems, including memory loss, are also consequences of addiction, highlighting the need for timely and effective intervention.

What Are the Most Common Symptoms of Addiction?

The most common symptoms of addiction include:

• Inability to stop despite negative consequences
• Changes in social circles
• Secretive or dishonest behavior
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyable hobbies or activities
• Repeated failed attempts to reduce use
• Taking risks to obtain the substance
• Mood swings
• Bloodshot eyes
• Sleep problems
• Weight changes
• Cognitive issues
• Memory problems
• Difficulty concentrating
• Declining performance at work or school
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms
• Excessive spending on the substance
• Neglect of responsibilities
• Financial problems

These symptoms can occur individually or in combination and vary depending on the substance involved, but they are common indicators of misuse or a problem that requires professional help.

Symptoms of alcohol use often include blackouts, excessive drinking despite negative consequences, and withdrawal symptoms such as tremors. Marijuana use can lead to impaired cognitive functions, decreased memory, and changes in social behavior. Opioid use often results in increased tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and a strong urge to use the drug.

Heroin use is manifested by extreme changes in behavior, by traces of hypodermic needles, and severe withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepine use can cause drowsiness, confusion, and impaired motor skills. Methamphetamine use results in extreme weight loss, tooth decay, and aggressive behavior. Cocaine use is characterized by increased energy, decreased appetite, and paranoia. Steroid use can result in aggression, mood swings, and physical changes such as breast development in men.

According to Gilbert, D., Gilbert, B., & Schultz, V. (1998) in their study “Withdrawal Symptoms: Individual Differences and Similarities Across Addictive Behaviors” published in Personality and Individual Differences, 24, the most common withdrawal symptoms of addiction include irritability, restlessness, impatience, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, depression, and anger.

Symptoms of Alcohol Use

Symptoms of alcohol addiction include changes in the ability to control drinking despite negative consequences. People with this disorder may experience strong cravings or urges to consume alcohol, struggle to reduce their alcohol intake, and spend a significant amount of time drinking or recovering from its effects. They may continue drinking even when it leads to problems in relationships, school, or work, and they may give up important social, professional, or recreational activities in favor of alcohol use.

Risky use includes drinking in dangerous situations or continuing to drink despite physical or psychological problems caused by alcohol. Symptoms may also include drinking in the morning to relieve hangover effects, memory loss or blackouts, mood swings such as irritability and depression, or secretive behavior.

According to Course Hero (2023), symptoms of alcohol use disorders can be categorized into four main areas: impaired control, social impairment, risky use, and pharmacological criteria.

Symptoms of Marijuana Use

Signs of marijuana addiction often include both physical and behavioral symptoms. Physical signs include bloodshot eyes, increased appetite, reduced coordination, delayed reaction time, fatigue, drowsiness, and possible rapid weight gain. Behavioral symptoms include decreased motivation, poor performance at school or work, secretive behavior, possession of drug paraphernalia, and association with friends who engage in risky behavior.

Cognitive impairments also play a role, such as difficulty concentrating, distorted perception, psychological effects like euphoria, anxiety, or mood swings, a relaxed state, or an altered sense of time. Marijuana addicts may also have a distinctive odor and exhibit withdrawal from responsibilities and social activities. Addiction is often accompanied by financial problems and seeking out risky situations.

This combination of symptoms indicates problematic use where intervention is considered necessary. Brym (2019), in Sociology: Compass for a New Social World, also highlights the symptoms of marijuana use, with a focus on social interactions and understanding among users.

Symptoms of Opioid Use

Opioid addiction is characterized by multiple symptoms, including physical signs such as drowsiness, constipation, nausea, itching, constricted pupils, slowed breathing, skin problems, uncoordinated movements, weight loss, and poor hygiene. Behavioral symptoms include taking larger doses than intended, spending excessive time obtaining, using, or recovering from the drug, and abandoning important activities.

Other characteristics may include continued use despite negative consequences, use in dangerous situations, dishonest behavior, and psychological symptoms such as cravings, euphoria, apathy, irritability, mood swings, and depression. Cognitive issues may also arise, including confusion, poor judgment, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and social problems.

Financial difficulties or legal troubles are common. Withdrawal symptoms often follow discontinuation, including restlessness, muscle pain, diarrhea, runny nose, and watery eyes. For references on symptoms of marijuana use, consult authorities such as the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) or publications in medical journals like JAMA.

Symptoms of Heroin Use

Symptoms of heroin addiction depend on genetics, the amount used, and the frequency of use. According to the Options Behavioral Health System, signs and symptoms of heroin use include constricted pupils, slowed breathing, dry mouth, skin rashes, nausea, vomiting, itching, weight loss, injection marks, a runny nose, drowsiness, behavioral changes, and wearing long sleeves to hide marks.

Addicted individuals may also perform poorly, engage in risky behavior, and suffer from social and financial problems, as well as cognitive effects such as confusion, disorientation, impaired judgment, concentration issues, and memory loss. Additional symptoms may include euphoria, apathy, mood swings, paranoia, and depression.

Other signs of heroin use include slurred speech, coordination problems, alternating hyperactivity and reduced consciousness, shallow breathing, blue lips or fingertips, a weak pulse, respiratory failure, muscle pain, diarrhea, restlessness, insomnia, sweating, and intense cravings. Heroin addicts are also often in possession of drug paraphernalia, such as a burned spoon.

Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Use

Benzodiazepine addiction can result in a wide range of symptoms. According to the Ohio Hospital for Psychiatry, when benzodiazepines are not used as prescribed by a doctor, individuals may exhibit various symptoms depending on the duration and amount of misuse.

The most common symptoms of benzodiazepine abuse include drowsiness, impaired coordination, confusion, anxiety, irritability, blurred vision, dizziness, slurred speech, breathing difficulties, headaches, loss of appetite, weight changes, and cognitive impairments such as memory problems. Additionally, benzodiazepine addicts often exhibit poor judgment, delayed reaction time, and increased emotional numbness.

Benzodiazepine abuse often occurs in combination with alcohol or other drugs. Withdrawal symptoms include restlessness, insomnia, vomiting, sweating, tremors, seizures, severe reflex issues, respiratory problems, and, in extreme cases, coma. When discontinuing benzodiazepine use, medical evaluation and supervision are essential.

Symptoms of Methamphetamine Use

Methamphetamine addiction often manifests through both physical and psychological symptoms. Physical signs include high blood pressure, increased body temperature, dilated pupils, irregular eye movements, tremors, muscle twitches, weight loss, malnutrition, skin sores, acne, tooth decay, insomnia, fatigue, reduced appetite, and irregular sleep patterns.

Psychological symptoms include euphoria, depression, paranoia, confusion, disorientation, memory problems, concentration issues, mood swings, irritability, hallucinations, and psychosis. Methamphetamine addicts often display violent or aggressive behavior, social withdrawal, poor hygiene, and frequently struggle with financial difficulties.

They may possess drug paraphernalia, and burns on the lips or fingers may be visible. In severe cases, methamphetamine users experience a “crash” phase, characterized by extreme exhaustion. Zweben et al. (2004) emphasize that methamphetamine users exhibit high levels of psychiatric symptoms, including depression, suicidal tendencies, anxiety, and psychotic episodes, highlighting the need for integrated treatment by well-trained professionals.

Symptoms of Cocaine Use

Cocaine addiction is often indicated by symptoms such as high blood pressure, increased heart rate, dilated pupils, constricted blood vessels, nausea, excessive sweating, tremors, rapid weight loss, frequent nosebleeds, or a runny nose. A cocaine addict typically suffers from insomnia, restlessness, talkativeness, risky and secretive behavior. Financial problems often arise, leading the addict to resort to theft.

Cocaine addicts frequently have burn marks on their fingers and lips and may exhibit alternating signs of exhaustion. All these symptoms indicate an addiction that requires professional treatment. According to research by Brower et al. (1991), self-reported symptoms of cocaine withdrawal include depression, sleep disorders, and fatigue, but exclude cravings, apathy, and restlessness, suggesting that the DSM-III and DSM-III-R criteria may be too limited for treatment purposes.

Symptoms of Steroid Use

Steroid addiction symptoms include both physical and behavioral signs. Physically, users may experience rapid weight gain, acne, oily skin, enlarged breasts and baldness in men, shrinking testicles, increased facial and body hair growth in women, and a deepened voice. Severe cases can lead to liver problems, kidney issues, cardiovascular diseases, growth disturbances in adolescents, infertility, and sexual dysfunction.

Behavioral symptoms include mood swings, restlessness, depression, irritability, increased aggression, hyperactivity, and engagement in risky behavior. Steroid addicts often show injection needle marks on their bodies and spend excessive time working out or training; receiving suspicious packages can also be an indicator of abuse.

Stopping steroid use can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, reduced appetite, insomnia, decreased libido, and muscle pain. These symptoms indicate misuse and require professional evaluation, especially due to potential psychiatric effects such as aggression, violence, mania, and dependence, as described by Trenton, A., & Currier, G. (2005) in their research on the behavioral manifestations of anabolic steroid use.

How Do You Know If You Are Addicted?

To determine if you are addicted, look for signs such as being unable to stop using a substance or losing control over its use or your behavior, even if you have tried to quit. If you continue spending a significant amount of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of a substance or behavior despite negative experiences, this indicates addiction.

According to Wise, R., & Robble, M. (2020) in Dopamine and Addiction, addiction is often defined by characteristics of intoxication or withdrawal symptoms and is marked by a decreased interest in activities that are not reinforced by habitual rewards.

Other signs include intense cravings or urges for the substance or behavior, increased tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms such as emotional or physical discomfort when not using. Engaging in risky behavior to obtain the substance, lying to hide use, and repeated failed attempts to quit are also common indicators. If you experience these symptoms, speaking with a doctor or specialist is important to determine the right steps for recovery. Seeking support is crucial.

How Can an Intake at a Rehab Clinic Help Refine the Solution for Addiction Symptoms?

An intake at a rehab clinic provides a thorough assessment of addiction symptoms through interviews, questionnaires, and medical examinations. This process helps the team determine the severity of the addiction, mental health issues, and physical health conditions. Gathering this information is crucial for developing a personalized treatment plan tailored to the client’s unique needs.

By identifying the underlying causes of addiction, such as depression or anxiety, clinicians can propose an integrated approach to address both the addiction and co-occurring issues. The intake process at a rehab clinic also determines the necessary support for detox, medication, motivation, and therapy while considering the client’s social, legal, and financial challenges. This comprehensive evaluation forms the foundation for successful recovery by providing a customized treatment plan focused on long-term change and improving quality of life.

What Are the Signs of Drug Addiction?

Signs of drug dependence typically include a loss of control over drug use, constant preoccupation and anxiety about drug consumption, and association with other drug users, as indicated by Gossop, M., Darke, S., Griffiths, P., Hando, J., Powis, B., Hall, W., & Strang, J. (1995). Other indicators include developing tolerance and experiencing withdrawal symptoms, such as physical discomfort, when stopping or reducing use.

Addicted individuals experience strong cravings for the drug and spend significant time and money obtaining, using, or recovering from its effects. Drug dependence often leads to neglecting responsibilities, abandoning important activities, and continuing use despite awareness of the physical or psychological harm it causes. A professional evaluation and early intervention are necessary to increase the chances of recovery.