There are several signs which indicate that a person might be addicted to drugs or alcohol. Addicts are often secretive and lie about their addiction. Understanding the signs of addiction can help those around the addict discover what is really going on and get help for the person.
Signs of Addiction
• Secretive behavior
• Hiding drugs or alcohol in secret caches
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Stealing money to buy drugs
• Stealing medication or drugs from medicine cabinets
• Lying to doctors in order to obtain stronger medication
• Neglecting responsibilities at home, work, or school
• Engaging in risky behavior while high
• Getting black-out drunk
• Getting into legal trouble because of drugs or alcohol
• Lying to self or others about addiction
• Track marks
• No longer participating in activities they used to enjoy
• Sudden weight loss or weight gain
• Change of friends
• Tremors, slurred speech, or uncoordinated motions
• Paranoia
• Change in personality
• Sharp decline in productivity at work or school
Common Lies Addicts Tell Themselves and Others
The hardest part of having a conversation with an addict about their addiction is that they tell lies to you and to themselves. They could be doing drugs in front of you, and may still lie about their behavior. Here are common lies they tell others and themselves about their addictive behavior:
“I don’t have a problem”
Very often, the addict actually believes they don’t have a problem. They deny that they need help. This is why interventions can be so difficult – and why it’s always a good idea to document their addictive behavior so they can actually see their problem.
“I am not going to the street for drugs – my medication is from my doctor”
Prescription drug addiction is a growing problem in America. Often, pain medications, medications for psychiatric disorders, or other medications are abused by people who don’t even realize they have become addicted. They just know that the medication doesn’t “work” as well as it used to, that they need more of it, and that they need to take it more often.
“I’m not an addict, I just use drugs socially.”
There are people who use drugs socially. However, just as social drinking can turn into alcoholism, social drug abuse can turn into addiction. A person may make sure they are around others while they are drinking or using. They can binge drink and overdose all while people look on, stupefied and numb. Same outcome.
“I am only trying it out.”
This is a lie that commonly gets used when an addict gets confronted on their addiction.
“You’re just jealous that I’m having more fun than you.”
Drug addicts may feel like they are having fun, and pursue their next high with a manic intensity, but in the end they are not having fun. Usually, they are using drugs to cover up a deeper issue like depression, abuse, insecurity, etc.
“I can stop whenever I want to.”
This is probably the most commonly heard excuse for addiction. The obvious response is, “Why don’t you stop right now, then?”
“I’m not hurting anyone.”
“I don’t have a problem”
Very often, the addict actually believes they don’t have a problem. They deny that they need help. This is why interventions can be so difficult – and why it’s always a good idea to document their addictive behavior so they can actually see their problem.
“I am not going to the street for drugs – my medication is from my doctor”
Prescription drug addiction is a growing problem in America. Often, pain medications, medications for psychiatric disorders, or other medications are abused by people who don’t even realize they have become addicted. They just know that the medication doesn’t “work” as well as it used to, that they need more of it, and that they need to take it more often.
“I’m not an addict, I just use drugs socially.”
There are people who use drugs socially. However, just as social drinking can turn into alcoholism, social drug abuse can turn into addiction. A person may make sure they are around others while they are drinking or using. They can binge drink and overdose all while people look on, stupefied and numb. Same outcome.
“I am only trying it out.”
This is a lie that commonly gets used when an addict gets confronted on their addiction.
“You’re just jealous that I’m having more fun than you.”
Drug addicts may feel like they are having fun, and pursue their next high with a manic intensity, but in the end they are not having fun. Usually, they are using drugs to cover up a deeper issue like depression, abuse, insecurity, etc.
“I can stop whenever I want to.”
This is probably the most commonly heard excuse for addiction. The obvious response is, “Why don’t you stop right now, then?”
“I’m not hurting anyone.”
Any addict who says this has no real understanding of what they are doing. They have not seen the consequences of their actions. In fact, they may be too unaware or too high to really see what is going on around them.
Solutions
Drug prevention and education is a very effective method of avoiding addiction – and helping others avoid addiction. The more educated a person is, the better able they are to make decisions about something. Additionally, if one becomes thoroughly educated on drugs, they can see the damage done to themselves and others. Encouraging those around you to become educated on any drugs they will come in contact with – street drugs or prescription drugs – will help your friends, family, and children make sensible decisions about their own health.
Drug rehabilitation can help with those who are already addicted. The process starts with a medical detox program, followed by classes and therapy to help the individual regain both their physical and mental health. The end goal of the rehab process is for the former addict to be able to go home and continue life healthy, happy, and drug-free.
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