Signs of Addiction
Everyone experiences addiction differently. This means that identifying signs of substance abuse in yourself or someone you know can be challenging. We’ve compiled the symptoms of addiction below for your reference.
Am I Addicted?
No one begins drinking or using drugs with the goal of becoming an addict. This is something that can happen gradually over time, meaning that you may not realize that you have a problem until it’s too late.
Many people ask themselves, “Am I an addict?” Ultimately, only you can answer this question.
In the simplest terms, an addict is a person whose life is controlled by alcohol or drugs. We all have different preconceptions about what this looks like; maybe you believe that you have a problem with drugs, but don’t see yourself as an addict. We ask you to remember that there is nothing shameful about having a substance use disorder, and that treatment is possible.
To determine whether you would benefit from professional help, consider the following questions:
- Do you ever drink or use alone?
- Has your substance use gotten out of control?
- Have you unsuccessfully tried to stop or cut back before?
- Does using or drinking interfere with your eating or sleeping habits?
- Has your substance use created financial or legal problems?
- Do you crave drugs or alcohol when you do not have them?
- Have you begun avoiding people who do not approve of your substance use?
- Have you lied about what or how much you use?
- Do you feel it is impossible for you to live without alcohol or drugs?
If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, we encourage you to seek help today.
Identifying Signs of Addiction in a Loved One
If your loved one has begun behaving strangely, you may suspect that they have begun abusing drugs or alcohol. Addiction usually creates an atmosphere of secrecy, meaning that your loved one may disappear without explanation, hide their substance use, or lie about what they are doing.
To identify a substance use disorder in a friend or family member, see if they exhibit any of the below signs of addiction:
- Marked changes in personality (seeming silly, erratic, paranoid, or depressed)
- Worsened personal appearance (disheveled; unwashed; changes in hair, teeth, skin, and nails)
- Dilated or pinpoint pupils
- Bloodshot or glazed eyes
- Frequent sniffling or bloody noses
- Unexplained sores or injuries
- Financial strain (accruing debt, borrowing or stealing money)
- Problems with the law
- Ignoring relationships and responsibilities
- Disappearing without explanation
- Dangerous, risk-taking behavior
- Rapid weight loss or gain
- Sleeping too much or not enough
- Failure to function in everyday life
- Problems at work or school
- Isolation from loved ones
If you believe that your loved one has developed an addiction, please contact us today for information about intervention and treatment.
Outpatient Addiction Treatment in Miami, Florida
Addiction can devastate a person’s life on every level: physically, mentally, socially, and professionally. If you or someone you love has developed a substance use disorder, we encourage you to seek help today. Recovery is possible.
At South Miami Recovery, we offer comprehensive outpatient addiction treatment in Miami, Florida. Our staff members are experts in the field of addiction recovery, meaning that patients will benefit from an array of evidence-based treatments, including individual and group therapy sessions, relapse prevention programming, and mindfulness therapy.
For more information, please contact our admissions staff.
