Signs & Symptoms of Addiction: Broken Down By Type & Form

The symptoms of addiction are similar no matter what type of substance someone is addicted to because a substance use disorder involves a pattern of compulsive misuse regardless of consequences. These addiction symptoms may include:[1]

• Using more of the drug than originally intended
• Being unable to cut back on use, even when you want to 
• A strong craving for drugs or alcohol 
• Substance use and its effects interfere with daily responsibilities, such as caring for family and going to work or school
• Loss of interest in other activities you once enjoyed
• Increase in risky behaviors while drinking or doing drugs
• Continued substance use despite psychological or physical issues it causes or worsens
• Tolerance to alcohol or drugs, or needing to consume more to achieve the same desired effects 
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you abruptly stop using

General Signs You May Notice in a Loved One with an Addiction

However, the signs of addiction, which are observable in others, vary somewhat depending on the individual and the substance being abused as well as how they use the substance (e.g. injecting). 

General signs of addiction include:

• Changes in behavior and appearance
• Lack of hygiene
• Withdrawing from loved ones
• Dramatic mood changes
• Lying or suspicious behavior
• Frequent intoxication and hangovers
• Finding drug paraphernalia 
• Bloodshot eyes
• Dilated pupils

Signs of Injecting Drugs

If your loved one is injecting drugs, you may notice the following signs:[1]

• Track lines
• Collapsed veins
• Puncture marks
• Abscesses
• Cellulitis
• Circular scars

You may notice these signs of IV drug use on people’s arms but if veins collapse on the upper extremities, people may resort to injecting in their legs, groin, or neck.[1]

Signs of Snorting Drugs

If your friend or family member is snorting drugs, you may notice:[1]

• Nosebleeds
• Sinusitis
• Damage to nose
• Perforated nasal septum

If you recognize these signs or symptoms of addiction, you may want to approach your loved one to discuss rehab. Make sure that when you reach out to them that you do so with compassion and empathy—confronting or blaming people can cause them to become defensive and avoid seeking treatment. 

Alcohol

Alcohol use disorder is a medical condition in which people are unable to control their consumption of alcohol, even when they face negative consequences for doing so. Alcohol use disorder, or alcoholism, exists on a spectrum ranging from mild to severe. In 2021, over 28 million adults and nearly 900,000 adolescents in the U.S. struggled with an alcohol use disorder. [2]

Signs someone is misusing alcohol and has an addiction may include:[1]

• Euphoria
• Inappropriate aggressive or sexual behavior
• Mood swings
• Impaired judgment
• Slurred speech
• Coordination issues
• Memory and attention problems
• Stupor or coma
• Alcohol withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, shakes, sweating, and vomiting, when they don’t drink

Any combination of the above symptoms may indicate a problem with alcohol. Fortunately, no matter how severe it is, alcohol use disorder can be effectively treated. 

Opioids 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 2.7 million people suffered from opioid use disorder in 2020. 

Opioid use disorder is defined as a problematic pattern of opioid use that causes significant distress and impairment of the individual. An opioid use disorder can develop in someone who was prescribed opioids for the treatment of pain and in individuals who use them for recreational reasons. [3]

Opioids can be obtained legally via a doctor’s prescription as a painkiller or purchased illegally. Legal opioids include pain medications like oxycodone, morphine, codeine, and hydrocodone. Illegally manufactured opioids include heroin and often fentanyl. Such opioids are particularly dangerous, as their potency and ingredients are not controlled.

Signs of an opioid use disorder include the following: [1],[4]

• Risky and increased use of opioids 
• Continued use despite health, safety, and financial problems 
• Changes in sleep and exercise habits
• Drowsiness and weight loss
• Initial euphoria followed by apathy or depression
• Flu-like symptoms when they can’t obtain opioids
• Lack of hygiene 
• Stealing prescribed opioids from family and friends
• “Doctor shopping” to get prescriptions from several providers 
• Signs of intravenous or intranasal use
• Impaired judgment
• Slurred speech
• Coma

Opioid misuse is a significant public health concern across the United States. Illicit opioids have contributed to a substantial rise in opioid-related deaths in recent years. 

Benzodiazepines 

Benzodiazepines are a type of sedative medication prescribed for the treatment of conditions like anxiety, insomnia, muscle spasms, and seizures. They are depressant medications that help to relax the body and mind. [5]

Examples of common benzodiazepines are Valium, Xanax, Halcion, Ativan, and Klonopin, though there are many other prescription benzodiazepines.

Signs of benzodiazepine abuse include the following:[1]

• Obtaining benzodiazepine prescriptions from multiple doctors
• Faking prescriptions or buying benzodiazepines illegally 
• Needing to take higher doses to achieve the same effects 
• Combining benzodiazepines with other drugs, such as alcohol or opioids 
• Taking them in ways other than intended, such as crushing them up and snorting them to get high 
• Excessive drowsiness
• Changes in mood 
• Inappropriate sexual or aggressive behavior
• Impaired judgment
• Slurred speech
• Coordination problems
• Impaired memory and attention
• Stupor or coma

Antidepressants 

Antidepressants are not generally considered addictive, as they alone do not produce a pleasurable high that reinforces use. However, they can be misused, especially when taken in combination with other substances, such as alcohol. [6]

When used appropriately, antidepressants are prescribed for the treatment of depressive disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, PTSD, bulimia, and anxiety disorders. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed type of antidepressant, with Prozac being the most common SSRI. 

Signs of antidepressant misuse include the following:[6]

• Taking more than prescribed by your doctor
• Combining antidepressants with alcohol in an effort to increase effects
• Extreme drowsiness
• Reduced alertness
• Searching for prescriptions from multiple doctors 
• Serotonin syndrome
• Suicidal thoughts
• Overdose, including irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, rigid muscles, confusion, and coma 

Hallucinogens 

Hallucinogenic drugs temporarily impact how someone feels, thinks, and perceives the world around them. They can elicit strong emotions ranging from euphoria to fear. They can leave lasting impacts on how the individual thinks after the effects of the drug have worn off. 

Types of hallucinogenic drugs include psilocybin (mushrooms), LSD, DMT, mescaline, ketamine, and PCP. [7]

Signs of hallucinogenic drug misuse include the following:[1],[7]

• Continuing taking hallucinogens despite negative side effects, including nausea and headaches
• Cravings and withdrawal 
• Combining hallucinogens with other drugs 
• Hallucinations
• Delusions 
• Paranoia
• Anxiety or depression
• Impaired judgment
• Profound sweating
• Tremors
• Incoordination

Hallucinogens refer to drugs also called psychedelic or dissociative drugs. A growing body of research is exploring the potential therapeutic effects of certain psychedelic drugs on some mental health problems. Hallucinogenic drug misuse occurs when taken outside of any therapeutic or medical setting. 

Inhalants 

Inhalant addiction can occur following repeated use of the drug. Inhalants are substances that are typically only taken by being inhaled. They include a variety of substances, including solvents, aerosol sprays, gases, and nitrites. Many types of inhalants, such as spray paint, markers, glues, and cleaning fluids, can be easily purchased in a store. [8]

Addiction to inhalants increases the risk of harmful effects on the brain and body. Signs of inhalant misuse include the following: [8]

• Distorted or slurred speech
• Reduced control of body movement
• Euphoria
• Dizziness or lightheadedness 
• Hallucinations or delusions
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headaches 
• Kidney and liver damage
• Brain damage
• Seizure
• Coma
• Overdose 

Someone with an inhalant addiction will also likely experience withdrawal symptoms when they suddenly stop use. Changes in mood, sleep, and appetite are likely to occur during withdrawal. 

Marijuana 

An estimated 30% of marijuana users have a marijuana use disorder. Adolescents who begin using marijuana before the age of 18 are up to seven times more likely to develop a marijuana use disorder than adults. In 2021, over 16 million people, or approximately 5.8% of people aged 12 and older in the U.S., had a marijuana use disorder. [9]

People who regularly use marijuana are likely to develop a dependence on it and then experience subsequent withdrawal symptoms when they stop consuming it. Common signs of marijuana misuse include the following: [9]

• A sense of euphoria and relaxation while high
• Increased appetite 
• Anxiety or panic
• Fear or distrust 
• Acute psychosis, with hallucinations, delusions, and a loss of sense of self
• Continued use of marijuana despite it interfering with daily life 
• Withdrawal symptoms, including sleep and mood issues, irritability, and decreased appetite

Studies have found that the severity of lasting impacts of marijuana misuse vary depending on how old the person was when they began using, how much marijuana they used on average, and how long they used marijuana. Long-term effects on memory, learning, impulse control, and reduced cognitive functioning have been observed. 

Stimulants 

Stimulant abuse can happen with legal and illegal stimulant drugs. Prescription stimulants include Adderall and Ritalin, and they are commonly prescribed for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Illegally manufactured stimulants include cocaine, amphetamine, methamphetamine, and MDMA (also called Molly or ecstasy). [10]

Stimulant use disorder is defined as ongoing use of stimulants despite the user experiencing harm. Symptoms of stimulant abuse include the following: [10]

• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Dilated pupils
• Sweating 
• Chills 
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Chest pain
• Significant weight loss 
• Dental problems
• Heart attack or stroke
• Violent behavior 
• Psychosis and paranoia
• Anxiety and confusion 

Stimulant abuse becomes especially dangerous when combined with opioids. The rate of fatal overdose to stimulant drugs has increased significantly in recent years. More than half of the deaths related to overdose from illegal stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine also involved fentanyl or other opioids. 

Sleeping Pills 

Sleeping pills can be purchased over the counter or prescribed by a doctor. They are intended for people who have difficulty falling asleep and are best used for the short-term treatment of sleep problems. Long-term use of sleeping pills can lead to dependence and addiction.

Sleeping medications that can be bought in a standard store often contain an antihistamine that makes people feel drowsy and better able to fall asleep. Prescription sleeping pills are much stronger than those available in stores and can only legally be obtained from a doctor. [11]

Antidepressants and benzodiazepines are prescribed as sleep pills. Common Z-drugs, another type of sleeping pill, are Ambien and Lunesta. 

Individuals who rely on sleeping pills to fall asleep nightly for an extended period are at risk of experiencing negative side effects. Signs of sleeping pill abuse include the following:[1]

• Physical dependence on sleeping pills
• Mixing sleeping pills with alcohol or other sedatives 
• Development of disruptive sleep disorders 
• Difficulty focusing, thinking, and completing tasks the day after taking sleeping pills
• Chronic fatigue
• Confusion 
• Memory issues 
• Upset stomach 
• Dizziness and balance issues
• Interference with completing daily tasks, school, and work

Mixing sleeping pills with alcohol or sedatives is particularly dangerous as it poses the risk of overdose, which can be fatal. The majority of people who take sleeping pills report feeling a “hangover effect” the day after taking them, and they cannot function to their fullest. 

Getting Help for a Substance Use Disorder 

Treatment for a substance use disorder is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Effective treatment depends on the individual’s personal situation, history of substance use, social and familial support, response to treatment, and long-term goals. 

To ensure the right treatment approach, experts recommend you start by speaking with your healthcare provider. They can conduct an initial screening and make appropriate treatment referrals. If treatment is more urgent, hospitals and emergency room departments can ensure your initial safety while detoxing and then refer you to the next best step in the treatment process. 

The main treatment settings include:

• Inpatient rehab
• Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
• Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
• Outpatient rehab

Substance use disorders are chronic but treatable diseases. Treatment is likely to include a combination of medication, outpatient counseling, inpatient treatment, and ongoing behavioral health care. Addiction treatment must cover any medical concerns as well as underlying mental health issues. [13]

There is no shame in seeking help for a substance use disorder. The above resources can help you or a loved one begin the journey toward long-term recovery. 

Sustained sobriety in an ongoing process that requires continual care, attention, and effort. Recovery from addiction to each of the above substances is possible, as is a return to a life full of meaning and free from substance abuse. 

There is no shame in seeking help for a substance use disorder. The above resources can help you or a loved one begin the journey toward long-term recovery. 

Sustained sobriety in an ongoing process that requires continual care, attention, and effort. Recovery from addiction to each of the above substances is possible, as is a return to a life full of meaning and free from substance abuse.