Drug Addiction

When you are unable to stop using your drug of choice, despite a desire to live without addiction, when you experience physical withdrawal symptoms, when you attempt to stop getting high, when you crave your drug of choice and obsess about getting more – these are just a few characteristics of active drug addiction.

Depending upon the substance of choice, the signs of being under the influence will vary. But drug addiction can create a number of problems that are common to all who live with the issue. These include :

Hiding substance use

Lying about substances used or the amount of the drug used

Violent or erratic behavior

Extreme mood changes

Complaints of physical illness

Continued use of drugs despite negative consequences

Inability to maintain employment or function well at work

Rationalizing drug use despite consequences

Inability to remain clean and sober for any length of time

Disrupted sleeping and eating patterns

Choosing to get high over other essential activities