Signs and Symptoms of Addiction

Signs and Symptoms of Addiction Addiction Addictive Behaviors Print Signs and Symptoms of Addiction By Elizabeth Hartney, BSc., MSc., MA, PhD Elizabeth Hartney, BSc, MSc, MA, PhD is a psychologist, professor, and Director of the Centre for Health Leadership and Research at Royal Roads University, Canada. Learn about our editorial policy Elizabeth Hartney, BSc., MSc., MA, PhD Updated on June 04, 2019 Tom Dee Ann McCarthy/Getty Images   More in Addiction Addictive Behaviors Caffeine Internet Shopping Sex Alcohol Use Drug Use Nicotine Use Coping and Recovery All addictions, whether to substances or to behaviors, involve both physical and psychological processes. Each person’s experience of addiction is slightly different, but usually involves a cluster of some of the below signs and symptoms of addiction.   Symptoms vs. Signs Symptoms can only be experienced by the person with the addiction, whereas signs can be observed by other people. You can never know what someone else is experiencing unless they tell you, so if you are concerned that someone else may have an addiction, look for signs as well as for symptoms. Signs and Symptoms of Addiction You might see some of these signs but not others in an addicted person, but you can still be addicted even if you do not have all of the symptoms. These are signs which occur across many, but not necessarily all, addictions.  Some of the common signs and symptoms of addiction are: SecretivenessLyingStealingFinancially unpredictable, perhaps having large amounts of cash at times but no money at all at other timesChanges in social groups, new and unusual friends, odd phone conversationsRepeated unexplained outings, often with a sense of urgencyDrug paraphernalia such as unusual pipes, cigarette papers, small weighing scales, etc.“Stashes” of drugs, often in small plastic, paper or foil packagesTolerance, which is the need to engage in the addictive behavior more and more to get the desired effectWithdrawal  happens when the person does not take the substance or engage in the activity, and they experience unpleasant symptoms, which are often the opposite of the effects of the addictive behaviorDifficulty cutting down or controlling the addictive behaviorSocial, occupational or recreational activities becoming more focused on the addiction, and important social and occupational roles being jeopardizedThe person becoming preoccupied with the addiction, spending a lot of time on planning, engaging in, and recovering from the addictive behaviorExtreme mood changes â€" happy, sad, excited, anxious, etcSleeping a lot more or less than usual, or at different times of the day or nightChanges in energy â€" unexpectedly and extremely tired or energeticWeight  loss  or weight gainUnexpected and persistent coughs or snifflesSeeming unwell at certain times and better at other timesPupils of the eyes seeming smaller or larger than usual 7 Types of Drug Paraphernalia and Clues Parents Often Miss Use Caution Most of the signs of addiction can have other explanations too. For example, someone can be secretive because they are planning a birthday surprise for a friend. People can have changes of energy for numerous reasons, health-related and otherwise. They can make new friendships and end old ones for many reasons other than addictions. Be cautious about jumping to conclusions. Unless you have found drugs or drug paraphernalia or have some other obvious evidence of an addiction, it is likely there is another explanation. However, do not be naïve if you have found drugs or drug paraphernalia, as you may end up with legal problems if you do not address the situation. Tread Carefully Most of the signs of addiction are similar to normal teenage behavior. Unfortunately, teenagers are one of the groups most vulnerable to addiction. Parents who are concerned about their teenage child should be very careful when discussing addiction with a teenager. Study Identifies Top Risk Factors for Teen Substance Abuse Types and Signs of Other Addictions The links below will give you more details of the signs and symptoms of specific addictions. Substance Addictions The most common substance addictions include: Alcohol  â€" for example, wine, beer or liquorAmphetamine or similarly acting sympathomimetics â€" for example, speed or  crystal methBenzodiazepines  â€" for example, Xanax, Valium or KlonopinCaffeine  â€" for example,  coffee, tea  or  sports drinksCannabis  â€" for example,  marijuana, grass or hashCocaine  â€" for example, coke or crackHallucinogens  â€" for example, acid or ecstasyInhalants  â€" for example,  poppers  or  aerosolsNicotine  â€" for example,  cigarettes,  cigars  or  nicotine patchesOpioids â€" for example,  heroin,  morphine  or  painkillersPhencyclidine (PCP)  or similarly acting agents â€" for example,  angel dust  or  ketamineSedatives, hypnotics or anxiolytics â€" for example, sleeping pills or downers Behavioral Addictions The most common behavioral addictions include: Computer â€" for example,  internet,  video games, social networking sites,  cybersex  or  online gamblingEating  â€" for example,  overeating,  bingeing  or purgingExercise  â€" for example, weight loss or sportsGambling  â€" for example, VLTs, casinos or slot machinesGaming  â€" for example, computer gamesSex  â€" for example, porn,  cybersex  or multiple partnersShopping  â€" for example, spending or stealingWork â€" for example, overwork, money or power How to Live With and Treat Behavioral Addiction