Addiction to drugs is as complex as it is unique in how it plays out with each individual. First, you need to know what class of drug it is you’re dealing with—addiction to benzodiazepines will be far different than an addiction to synthetic cannabinoids like Spice. And a raging coke habit may have far different consequences on a person’s health than a prescription painkiller addiction.

Still, there are telltale signs in common with many forms of addictions to both substances and prescription pharmaceuticals:

• Loss of Control: Using more than a person wants to, for longer than he intended, or despite telling himself that he would stop.
• Neglecting Other Activities: Spending less time on activities that used to be important.
• Relationship Issues: People struggling with addiction are known to act out against those closest to them.
• Secrecy: Going out of one’s way to hide the amount of drugs consumed.
• Family History: A family history of addiction is often one early sign.
• Tolerance: Over time, a person’s body adapts to a substance to the point that they need more and more of it in order to have the same effect.

• Withdrawal: This will differ depending on what substance the person is abusing. One common thread is noticeable anxiety when a person is going without the substance.
• Continued Use, Despite Negative Consequences: Even though a drug abuse is causing problems (on the job, in relationships, for one’s health), the person continues.
• Risk Taking: More likely to take serious risks in order to obtain drugs.
• Changing Appearance: Changes or deterioration in hygiene or physical appearance is common in all forms of drug abuse.

Addiction to alcohol has similarities to drug addiction. After all, alcohol is just another type of psychoactive chemical. Because of its history, social acceptance, and availability, it does, however, have some unique early signs of addiction and symptoms.

Some common signs include:

• Inability to Moderate: Found you ended up drinking more, or longer, than you intended.
• Inability to Stop: More than once wanted to cut down or stop drinking, or tried to, but could not.
• Risky Situations: More than once gotten into situations while or after drinking that increased your chances of getting hurt.
• Disrupting Work or Family Life: Found that drinking—or being sick from drinking—often interfered with taking care of your home or family or disrupted work.
• Loss of Passions: Given up or cut back on activities that were important or interesting to you, or gave you pleasure, in order to drink.
• Increased Tolerance: Had to drink much more than you once did to get the effect you want.

• Continued Use Despite Problems: Continued to drink even though it was making you feel depressed or anxious or adding to another health problem, or after having had a memory blackout.
• Relationship Issues: Continued to drink even though it was causing trouble with your family or friends
• Withdrawal: Found that when the effects of alcohol were wearing off, you had withdrawal symptoms, such as trouble sleeping, shakiness, restlessness, nausea, sweating, a racing heart, or a seizure.
• Legal Issues: More than once gotten arrested, been held at a police station, or had other legal problems because of your drinking.

Windward Way can show you how to overcome addiction. Our alcohol rehab can get you the help you—or someone you care about—desperately needs. Call (855) 491-7694.