Drug Treatment Help Request

Drug Addiction Signs

There are many signs that an individual may have a drug or alcohol addiction. The drug addiction signs listed below are cues to look for when evaluating this matter. Be aware that possessing several of these signs does not always imply that there is a drug addiction present, but if one is suspected be supportive of the individual in their road to drug addiction recovery.

Drug addiction signs:

• Increase or decrease in appetite; changes in eating habits, unexplained weight loss or gain.
• Smell of substance on breath, body or clothes.
• Extreme hyperactivity; excessive talkativeness.
• Needle marks or bruises on lower arm, legs or bottom of feet.
• Change in overall attitude / personality with no other identifiable cause.
• Changes in friends: new hang-outs, avoidance of old crowd, new friends are drug users.
• Change in activities; loss of interest in things that were important before.
• Drop in school or work performance; skips or is late to school or work.
• Changes in habits at home; loss of interest in family and family activities.
• Difficulty in paying attention; forgetfulness.
• Lack of motivation, energy, self-esteem, discipline. Bored, "I don't care" attitude.
• Defensiveness, temper tantrums, resentful behavior (everything's a hassle).
• Unexplained moodiness, irritability, or nervousness.
• Violent temper or bizarre behavior.
• Unexplained silliness or giddiness.
• Paranoia -- suspiciousness.
• Excessive need for privacy; keeps door locked or closed, won't let people in.
• Secretive or suspicious behavior.
• Car accidents, fender benders, household accidents.
• Chronic dishonesty; trouble with police.
• Unexplained need for money; can't explain where money goes; stealing.
• Unusual effort to cover arms, legs.
• Change in personal grooming habits.
• Possession of drug paraphernalia.