Signs and Symptoms of Addiction

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSigns and SymptomsSpecific AddictionsComplicationsGetting HelpFrequently Asked Questions

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Signs and Symptoms

Specific Addictions

Complications

Getting Help

Frequently Asked Questions

Addiction can affect a person in several ways, leaving “clues” or signs that an issue may exist. These signs may appear in the form of engaging in certain behaviors, some are physical signs or symptoms, and others are present in one’s emotional or mental states.

Here we discuss some of the most common behavioral, physical, and psychological signs of addiction to watch for if there is concern that a loved one may be facing addiction. We also explore some of the differenttypes of addictionand the signs or symptoms that may be present with each.

If you or a loved one are struggling with an addiction contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you or a loved one are struggling with an addiction contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

Signs and Symptoms of Addiction

Behavioral

Sometimes it is a person’s behaviors that cause us to worry about whether they may be facing adrug or alcohol addiction. Or they may engage in behaviors that suggest a possibleaddiction to certain actions, such as having anaddiction to gambling, shopping, or sex.

Behavioral signs of addiction include:

Physical

Addiction can also affect a person’s body, leaving physical symptoms. Physical symptoms or signs of addiction include:

Psychological

If a person displays certain mental or emotional attributes, it could also signify that addiction is present. Psychological signs or symptoms of addiction to watch for include:

Other

Additional things that could signify that an addiction is present include:

We don’t always know what someone is experiencing unless they tell us. That makes it helpful to know what to watch for if we’re concerned that addiction may exist.

Signs of Specific Addictions

While there are signs and symptoms of a general nature, certain substances and behaviors can come with their own set of symptoms.

Addiction Complications and Comorbidities

Addictions have a wide range of serious complications, many of which can be life-limiting and potentially dangerous. That makes them things to watch for if addiction is suspected.

Complications of addiction include:

If you or someone you love are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you or someone you love are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

Different substances can have their own set of health risks and potential complications. Illegal substances, for instance, pose health dangers in addition to potential legal issues. Some substances also pose arisk for overdose, brain damage, and long-term health consequences.

Mental Health Conditions

Addiction often occurs alongside other mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Estimates suggest that approximately half of all people with a mental disorder will also have a substance use disorder at some point during their lives.

Why Mental Health Disorders Co-Exist With Substance Use

Adolescence

Some signs of addiction are similar to normal teenage behavior, but teenagers are also one of the groups most vulnerable to addiction.Parents who are worried that their child might be using substances can seek professional assistance to determine how to best manage this issue and obtain a referral to resources.

Life Experiences

If Addiction Is Suspected

It’s important to note that most of the signs of addiction can have other explanations. People can have changes in their mood, behavior, and energy levels for other reasons, including health-related ones. Be cautious about jumping to conclusions.

It is difficult to discern if someone may have an addiction, even if some obvious signs are observed. A healthcare provider or mental health professional can help identify if addiction exists, also providing guidance for treatment options.

Best Drug Addiction Treatment Centers

The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) defines addiction as a chronic disease.The current edition of theDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)defines addictions to alcohol and drugs as psychiatric disorders.Learn More:The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders

The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) defines addiction as a chronic disease.The current edition of theDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)defines addictions to alcohol and drugs as psychiatric disorders.

Learn More:The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders

Learn More:Does Stress Cause Addiction?

Many effective treatment options can help people break free of addiction.Healthcare providers can prescribe medications that help reduce cravings for certain substances and minimize the uncomfortable effects of withdrawal. Psychotherapy, rehabilitation centers, 12-step programs, and support groups can also help aid in recovery from addiction. Online options are also available, including websites and apps designed to help people overcome addiction.Learn More:Online Therapy for Addiction

Many effective treatment options can help people break free of addiction.Healthcare providers can prescribe medications that help reduce cravings for certain substances and minimize the uncomfortable effects of withdrawal. Psychotherapy, rehabilitation centers, 12-step programs, and support groups can also help aid in recovery from addiction. Online options are also available, including websites and apps designed to help people overcome addiction.

Learn More:Online Therapy for Addiction

How to Overcome an Addiction

8 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Mental Health.Substance use and co-occurring mental disorders.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.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. doi:10.1590/S0104-12902018170970Duffy 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. doi:10.1111/nyas.13928American Society of Addiction Medicine.Definition of addiction.American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,Fifth Edition.National Institute on Drug Addiction.Understanding drug use and addiction.Xu B, Labar K.Advances in understanding addiction treatment and recovery.Sci Adv. 2019;5(10):eaaz6596. doi:10.1126/sciadv.aaz6596Additional ReadingCleveland Clinic.Addiction.

8 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Mental Health.Substance use and co-occurring mental disorders.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.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. doi:10.1590/S0104-12902018170970Duffy 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. doi:10.1111/nyas.13928American Society of Addiction Medicine.Definition of addiction.American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,Fifth Edition.National Institute on Drug Addiction.Understanding drug use and addiction.Xu B, Labar K.Advances in understanding addiction treatment and recovery.Sci Adv. 2019;5(10):eaaz6596. doi:10.1126/sciadv.aaz6596Additional ReadingCleveland Clinic.Addiction.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

National Institute of Mental Health.Substance use and co-occurring mental disorders.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.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. doi:10.1590/S0104-12902018170970Duffy 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. doi:10.1111/nyas.13928American Society of Addiction Medicine.Definition of addiction.American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,Fifth Edition.National Institute on Drug Addiction.Understanding drug use and addiction.Xu B, Labar K.Advances in understanding addiction treatment and recovery.Sci Adv. 2019;5(10):eaaz6596. doi:10.1126/sciadv.aaz6596

National Institute of Mental Health.Substance use and co-occurring mental disorders.

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.

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. doi:10.1590/S0104-12902018170970

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. doi:10.1111/nyas.13928

American Society of Addiction Medicine.Definition of addiction.

American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,Fifth Edition.

National Institute on Drug Addiction.Understanding drug use and addiction.

Xu B, Labar K.Advances in understanding addiction treatment and recovery.Sci Adv. 2019;5(10):eaaz6596. doi:10.1126/sciadv.aaz6596

Cleveland Clinic.Addiction.

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