Symptoms of Drug Addiction

There are general clinical symptoms of drug addiction just as there are specific symptoms for use of different types of legal and illegal drugs. Drug addiction’s general clinical and behavioral symptoms are listed below.

  • Poor hygiene
  • Legal problems
  • Financial irresponsibility
  • Inability to go to work or school
  • Problems with relationships
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Insomnia
  • Sleeping difficulties
  • Sleepiness
  • Irregular pulse rate
  • Agitation
  • Brain activity is suppressed
  • Poor responsiveness/lack of alertness
  • Obsession on getting and using the drug
  • Doing dangerous activities under the drug’s influence
  • Stealing
  • Dependence on the drug to deal with problems
  • Lethargy

Types of Addictive Drugs and the Corresponding Signs and Symptoms from their Use

Marijuana or hashish – The use of these drugs does not lead to any development of chemical dependence to them. Not all of their symptoms are negative (appetite increase).  The symptoms from using these drugs include:

  • Paranoia
  • Poor reaction time
  • Appetite increase
  • Poor concentration
  • Blood shot eyes
  • Heightened heart rate and blood pressure
  • Poor memory
  • Enhanced sensory function

Barbiturates and benzodiazepines – Most of the drugs are prescription medication, usually antidepressants. Symptoms of their use include:

  • Depression
  • Dizziness
  • Lowered blood pressure and slowed breathing
  • Confusion
  • Memory difficulties
  • Poor body coordination
  • Slurred speech

Cocaine, methamphetamine and other stimulants – these drugs can be illegal drugs and prescription drugs like Ritalin. Their use can cause symptoms like:

  • Paranoia
  • Tachycardia
  • Elevated temperature and blood pressure
  • Loss of weight
  • Sleeplessness
  • Blocked nares and damage to the mucous membrane from the constant snorting of drugs
  • Restlessness
  • Agitation
  • Fast often incomprehensible talking
  • Appetite loss
  • Euphoria

Social drugs – Used in parties, discos, night clubs and often by young people like teenagers and young adults. These drugs include ketamine, Roofies (rohypnol), GHB and Ecstasy.  Symptoms users of these drugs include:

  • Loss of consciousness and drowsiness
  • Elevated blood pressure, fluctuating heart rate
  • Poor or loss of memory
  • Bad judgment
  • Poor coordination
  • Elevated sensory perception
  • Lessened inhibitions

Roofies and GHB can lead to coma, seizures or death.

Hallucinogens – These drugs include PCP (phenyclydine) and LSD. PCP and LSD produce some different symptoms.

For PCP use the symptoms can include:

  • Aggression
  • Depression
  • Appetite loss
  • Panic
  • Delusions
  • Euphoria
  • Hallucinations

Symptoms of LSD usage can include:

  • Remembrance of past hallucinations
  • Tremors
  • High blood pressure
  • Tachycardia
  • Shifts in sensory perception (seeing sounds, hearing colors, etc.)
  • Hallucinations

Inhalants – These can be inhalation of aerosol chemicals, cleaning fluids, gasoline, marker fluid, felt tip, paint thinners and glue.

The symptoms from inhalation of these products include:

  • Loss of inhibition
  • Fleeting intoxication

Inhalants can lead to permanent organ damage and death.

Narcotic painkillers – These drugs include OxyContin (oxycodone), methadone, codeine, morphine and heroin. Symptoms of their use include:

  • Needle punctures in the skin
  • Slowed breathing
  • Constipation
  • Confusion
  • Depression
  • Sedated mood

Needles & Moxa Wellness Center
700 S Red Rd
Miami, FL 33144
Ph: (305) 265-5265
https://www.needlesandmoxa.com/