Drug Addiction Signs For Parents Watch Out For

July 20th, 2009 by Arnold Chinger

by Arnold Chinger

If you have a reasonable suspicion that someone you know or love has become addicted to drugs, this article will present to you signs and behavior to watch out for. Depending on the substance involved, addiction behaviors can change considerably. However, there are a few themes that are come about from any addictive habit that will be apparent.

Addiction has a dramatic effect on the body. Someone who is hiding a drug addiction will often have to mask behavior manifestations of their addiction as they become apparent via various physical signs. Behaviors to note include someone having an excess of energy leading to fast movements, fast talking, and stay up all night. At the same time, other drugs may cause a slowing down of the bodies movement, slower, hazy speech, and a confused demeanor. Sudden weight loss is common with many drugs known as uppers.

For smoked substances, a nagging cough may be present. Users of substances injected with a needle might have a predisposition for wearing long sleeve shirts to hide track marks, wearing such items even when the weather is not appropriate for it. Speed can cause severe dental issues to develop over time. Another physical sign would be the actual presence of drug paraphernalia and related items, such as pipes, foil, lighters, rolling papers, and so on.

Drug abuse has no less effect on the mind than it does the body. Abusing drugs tends to lead to rapid changes in emotions and behavior and ones mental mindset. If someone changes inexplicably, has rapid mood changes, suffers from anxiety or paranoid delusions, it is possible drugs could be the cause of these changes. Note that under the influence of drugs a person can experience psychotic states of mind and behavior. These behaviors usually only last for the duration of the drugs effect on the body.

The signs and symptoms discussed in this article are of serious consequence. Observe the suspected users behavior and see if there are any similarities. Careful consideration must be given towards how to deal with the situation if there are signs of drug abuse, and this is more suitable to another article than to discuss here. Keep in mind that drug addiction may mandate the use of rehab and life long support groups to remain sober.

About the Author:

Ilya Walker is a freelance writer for Marijuana Addiction Help. For more information and resources on marijuana addiction, take a few moments to view our on line guide and get involved.