When someone is addicted, it might be difficult to recognize the signs because they vary. For instance, if someone is addicted to alcohol, there might not be obvious physical signs because they will look healthy.

However, if you observe them closely, you will notice some behavioral signs that tell you that they are addicted.

For such people, it might be difficult for you to seek help for them because the signs are not what you might observe after a few glances. Hence, it becomes imperative to have a broad knowledge of the signs of addiction so that you can support addicted individuals around you.

Physical signs of addiction

When it comes to the physical signs of addiction, they are the symptoms that you can visibly see. These symptoms can be found on any part of the individual’s body ranging from the head to the feet.

In some cases, an addicted individual is likely to experience more than one symptom.

Here are some of the common physical signs of addiction: Bloodshot eyes, Regular illness, Overweight/Underweight, Insomnia, Vomiting, Sweating, Trembling, and Change in speech patterns. Other signs are memory loss, trembling, sweating unnecessarily, etc.

Behavioral signs of addiction

When an individual is addicted, they begin to behave in a different way that you are not familiar with. Most times, the changes are rapid and strange that tell you something is definitely wrong.

Some of the behavioral signs of addiction are: struggling with limits, loss of interest, mood swings, reclusive and private behavior, and defensiveness. Other signs are erratic behavior, change in sleep habits, etc.

After noticing both the physical and behavioral signs of addiction, the next step is to reach out for help.

Addiction can be very painful to talk about but when you meet the right professional counselor and therapist, it would be easier to gain understanding and clarity.

When a therapeutic alliance has been established between you and the counselor, you will be on your way to sobriety.