Addiction can be tricky, and sometimes, it can be difficult to know if someone you love has an addiction. It can even be difficult to know if you have an addiction problem. It can help to know what are the physical signs and symptoms of addiction.
The physical signs of addiction result from the side effects of using, during an overdose, or during a period of withdrawal from use. They range from mild to severe or even life-threatening. Here are 7 physical signs someone you love, or you could be suffering from addiction issues.
1. Unkempt Appearance
One of the first things you notice about addicts is that they’re not all that concerned with their physical appearance. Their obsession with obtaining their substance of choice takes precedence over everything else.
2. Sudden Weight Loss or Gain
When someone is addicted to a substance, they either stop eating or eat way too much. That can result in sudden and severe weight loss or gain, and these changes in their weight can cause more problems, such as malnutrition or increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
3. Insomnia
Difficulty sleeping is another telltale physical sign of addiction issues. Many substances prevent an addict from getting to sleep, but in addition to the substance itself, the addict's preoccupation with getting their substance of choice and/or hiding their use can cause them to lose sleep.
4. Poor Physical Coordination
When an addict gets high or drunk or whatever the case may be, they often have trouble with physical coordination. They may stumble or run into things or have other problems. It’s one thing to be a little clumsy, but if someone you know is habitually uncoordinated, that can indicate an addiction issue.
5. Bloodshot Eyes
This is one of those stereotypical physical signs of addiction that happens to be true. Many drugs and alcohol can cause bloodshot eyes. In addition, since addicts lose sleep, that alone can cause bloodshot eyes. Again, if this happens once in a while, it doesn’t necessarily mean anything, but if it’s a common theme, they might have a problem.
6. Dilated (Enlarged) or Constricted (Small) Pupils
Many drugs affect your pupil size. They may make them dilate (enlarge) or constrict (get smaller), and that condition can persist for several hours. If you notice that someone’s pupils are always either dilated or constricted, that may be a sign they have an addiction.
7. Slurred Speech
Everyone misspeaks every now and again, and of course, some people have a speech impediment, but if you notice that someone has a regular problem speaking clearly, it can indicate drug or alcohol abuse. It’s also important to note that some people can drink a whole bottle of whiskey without ever slurring a word, so the absence of slurred speech doesn’t mean much. But its presence is definitely a red flag.
Know Someone with These Physical Signs of Addiction?
If you know someone you think might have addiction issues, Sober Sidekick can help. This social media platform can help you or someone you love stop feeling like you’re all alone. With more than 150,000 members, you can find advice for spotting addiction, helping yourself or someone you love get sober, and helping them maintain their sobriety. You are not alone, and the community at Sober Sidekick can help.
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