Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Addiction

Identifying Potential Addiction

Addiction manifests in various ways, often leaving observable clues. These can be behavioral patterns, physical changes, or shifts in emotional and mental well-being.

This article outlines common signs of addiction across different dimensions and explores specific addiction types along with their unique symptoms.

If you or someone you know is battling addiction, reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for guidance and local treatment resources.

For additional mental health support, explore our National Helpline Database.

Key Indicators of Addiction

Addiction symptoms vary widely. Observable signs are those noticed by others, while symptoms are internal experiences. Since addiction affects everyone differently, some signs may be present while others may not.

Behavioral Signs

Behavioral changes often raise concerns about addiction, whether related to substances or compulsive activities like gambling, shopping, or sex.

• Shifts in social circles or unusual friendships and secretive phone calls
• Frequent dishonesty or concealment
• Growing tolerance, requiring more of the substance or behavior to achieve the same effect
• Excessive time spent engaging in or recovering from the addictive behavior
• Repeated unexplained absences or urgent outings
• Continuing the behavior despite negative impacts on health, relationships, or work
• Engaging in theft
• Neglecting responsibilities and obligations

Physical Signs

Physical changes can signal addiction, including:

• Sudden fluctuations in energy levels—either extreme fatigue or hyperactivity
• Noticeable weight changes
• Increased frequency of illnesses
• Irregular sleep patterns or sleeping at unusual times
• Withdrawal symptoms such as muscle aches, sweating, or tremors when not engaging in the addictive behavior

Psychological Signs

Mental and emotional symptoms may include:

• Strong cravings for the substance or activity
• Difficulty controlling or reducing the behavior
• Significant mood swings
• Obsessive focus on the addiction
• Irritability or anxiety when unable to indulge

Additional Indicators

• Discovery of drug-related items such as pipes, rolling papers, or scales
• Hidden stashes of substances in small packages

Since many signs of addiction can be subtle or hidden, awareness of these indicators is vital for early intervention.

Signs Linked to Specific Addictions

Different addictions may present unique symptoms:

• Behavioral addictions (e.g., gambling, exercise, sex, shopping): Characterized by compulsive engagement despite harmful outcomes.
• Depressants (e.g., alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepines): May cause slowed heart rate, breathing difficulties, confusion, or severe consequences like coma.
• Opioids (e.g., painkillers, heroin, morphine): Lead to pain insensitivity and intense cravings.
• Stimulants (e.g., caffeine, nicotine, amphetamines, cocaine): Cause heightened energy and alertness.

Complications and Co-Occurring Conditions

Addiction can lead to numerous serious issues, including:

• Accidents
• Family and relationship conflicts
• Financial difficulties
• Legal troubles
• Academic or occupational challenges
• Suicidal thoughts or attempts

If you or a loved one experiences suicidal ideation, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 immediately. For emergencies, dial 911.

Refer to our National Helpline Database for further mental health assistance.

Substances, especially illegal ones, carry health risks including overdose, brain damage, and long-term complications.

Mental Health and Addiction

Many individuals with addiction also face mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression. Research indicates about half of those with mental health issues experience substance use disorders during their lifetime.

Adolescents and Addiction

Teenagers are particularly vulnerable to addiction, and some addiction signs may resemble typical adolescent behavior. Parents concerned about their child’s substance use should seek professional help for assessment and support.

Impact of Life Experiences

Factors like poverty, discrimination, inadequate education, trauma, and abuse increase susceptibility to addiction.

Steps to Take if Addiction Is Suspected

Many addiction signs can result from other causes, so avoid assumptions. Professional evaluation by healthcare or mental health specialists is essential to confirm addiction and recommend treatment options.

Top Treatment Centers for Addiction Recovery

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is addiction a disease?

  The American Society of Addiction Medicine classifies addiction as a chronic disease. The DSM-5 categorizes alcohol and drug addictions as psychiatric disorders.

• What causes addiction?

  Multiple factors contribute to addiction risk, including genetics, family history, mental health, environmental stressors, trauma, and early substance exposure.

• How can addiction be overcome?

  Effective treatments include medications to reduce cravings, psychotherapy, rehabilitation programs, support groups, and online resources.

Explore more about overcoming addiction and related conditions in our Conditions A-Z and Addiction sections.

References

1. National Institute of Mental Health. Substance use and co-occurring mental disorders.
2. Hammond C, Mayes L, Potenza M. Neurobiology of adolescent substance use and addictive behaviors: treatment implications. Adolesc Med State Art Rev. 2014;25(1):15-32.
3. Galvão A, Saavedra L, Cameira M. Economic and sociocultural poverty in drug abuse: from individual to sociopolitical responsibility. Saude Soc. 2018;27(3):820-833.
4. Duffy K, McLaughlin K, Green P. Early life adversity and health-risk behaviors: proposed psychological and neural mechanisms. Ann New York Acad Sci. 2018;1428(1):151-169.
5. American Society of Addiction Medicine. Definition of addiction.
6. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition.
7. National Institute on Drug Addiction. Understanding drug use and addiction.
8. Xu B, Labar K. Advances in understanding addiction treatment and recovery. Sci Adv. 2019;5(10):eaaz6596.

Further Reading

• Cleveland Clinic. Addiction.

By Elizabeth Hartney, BSc, MSc, MA, PhD
Elizabeth Hartney is a psychologist, professor, and Director of the Centre for Health Leadership and Research at Royal Roads University, Canada.

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