What are the symptoms of addiction?

What are the symptoms of addiction?

Symptoms of addiction vary from person to person. Some people with addiction function well in daily living. They hide their activities or substance use from others. Other people have severe symptoms, including:

• Inability to stop using: People may use a substance or engage in harmful addictive behavior even if they want to stop. They may have tried multiple times to cut down on or stop use but can’t.
• Increased tolerance: Over time, they may need more alcohol, drugs or nicotine to feel the same euphoric effects as they did before. They also may need to continue using the same amount to cope with physiological and psychological withdrawals that they can experience with cessation or even reduction of substance use. This is because their bodies have built up a tolerance to the substances.
• Intense focus on substances or behaviors: People with addictions become pathologically preoccupied with drugs, alcohol, or harmful behaviors. They may feel that the addiction has taken over their lives, as they spend more and more time craving, obtaining and thinking of their choice of addiction.
• Lack of control: They may feel like they have lost complete control over their substance use and often feel helpless. They often feel guilty, depressed and/or overwhelmed over their addiction and how it’s impacted their lives.
• Personal problems and health issues: Their addiction often impacts all aspects of their lives including their medical health, mental health, personal relationships and their careers. Often they are unable to pay their bills and purposely isolate themselves from their friends and family. They often have negative experiences with the legal system including being arrested for operating a vehicle impaired. Again, despite knowing the detrimental effects their addictions are having on them, they can’t stop use.
• Withdrawal: People with addiction experience emotional and physical withdrawal symptoms when they stop using. Physical symptoms include shaking, sweating or throwing up. They may also become anxious, sad or angry.