Understanding the signs of drug and alcohol addiction  

Understanding the signs of addiction can be difficult: Even for seasoned healthcare professionals. If a loved one, spouse, friend or employee is struggling with addiction the signs may not always be clear to see. Forget what is portrayed in films and on television as the signs can be very subtle or hidden altogether. Those caught up in addiction can become very adept at keeping their addiction from those who care about them. Coming forward to ask for help is a very big step. Sometimes, the person is desperate for others to know but worried about the consequences of coming forward. Our clinicians are here to provide a free rehab referral service UK as well as providing clinician drug advice UK to anyone who needs 24-hour rehab advice.  

I am concerned about someone who may be caught up in addiction: What do I look for?  

With some substances, very frequent use is necessary to prevent withdrawal. This could be alcohol, GHB/GBL, benzodiazepines and/or Ketamine. Where the person lacks financial means, they may need to borrow money from friends or family. Sadly, on occasion, they may steal from employers, friends, family or strangers. The need to sustain their dependency will override rational thinking. When someone is caught up in addiction, they may become elusive and provide confusing answers to questions concerning their activities. Questioning someone caught up in addiction is not helpful, despite the desperation of those trying to help the person.  

What are the physical signs?  

Physical signs of dependency are different from physical signs of withdrawal. If someone is in active addiction, until they stop using, or are unable to access the drug/alcohol there may not be any signs of withdrawal. With other substances, such as Cocaine, constant use will lead to physical signs. It can be difficult, even for an experienced clinician in the field of addictions, to identify the signs of addiction and withdrawal. Our clinicians have decades of experience in treating those caught up in addiction from working in some of the country’s best known rehab centres. If you, a loved one, friend, relative or employee need 24-hour rehab advice our clinicians here at Find me a rehab can help. Anyone needing clinician drug advice UK can get free, independent and confidential advice and get   free rehab referral service UK. We appreciate that understanding the signs of addiction is not the role of the layperson but the advice below may help.

Signs of alcohol/GHB+GBL/benzodiazepine withdrawal:  

Excessive sweating 

Heightened anxiety 

Trembling hands 

Nausea and vomiting 

Insomnia 

More serious signs:  

Hallucinations 

Seizures 

High body temperature 

Symptoms of cocaine use:  

Pale skin  

In the absence of cold/hay fever: constant sniffing 

Signs of white powder around the nose 

Severe anxiety 

Paranoid thinking 

Damage to the septum (cartilage that separates the two chambers of the nose)  

Cannabis: 

Poor attention to personal hygiene 

Significant weight gain  

Absence from work/education  

Memory problems 

Spending long periods asleep  

Crack:  

Delusional belief of skin infestation  

Small abrasions on the face from picking at the skin 

Aggression  

Disturbed sleep  

Extreme dental decay  

Exhaustion  

Heroin:  

Covering lower arms (if injecting)  

Rapid weight loss 

In the absence of a viral infection, a constant runny nose 

Constant requests for money or theft from loved ones to pay for drugs 

Disappearing for long periods (in search of a supply)  

Should I discuss my concerns with the person I believe is using?  

This is known as an “intervention” and can be useful, if done from a standpoint of knowledge and care. Addiction is not about logic and thus, trying to help, is not about shaming someone in addiction. Reasoning won’t help. If someone is under the influence of a substance no amounts of words will break through. It is not about accusing someone, it is about expressing concern and throwing an olive branch. Our clinicians are here to give 24-hour rehab advice. They provide a free rehab referral service UK to anyone needing clinician drug advice UK.  Understanding the signs and symptoms of addiction can be difficult. We are not here to judge, only to give advice without charge, obligation and in total confidence.

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