General Signs of Addiction:
- Observable signs of deteriorating personal hygiene
- Multiple physical symptoms and complaints
- Accidents
- Personality and behavioral changes
- Many drug prescriptions for self and family
- Frequent emotional crises
- Behavior excused by family and friends
- Activities involving drinking alcohol are a priority
- Arguments/violent outbursts
- Sexual problems
- Extramarital affairs
- Withdrawal from and fragmentation of family
- Neglect of children
- Abnormal, illegal, anti-social actions of children
- Separation or divorce
- Unexplained absences from home
Medical and Physical Symptoms of Substance Abuse:
- Observable decline in physical health
- Signs of weight change
- Pupils either dilated or constricted; face flushed/bloated
- Emergency-room treatments such as drug or alcohol overdose, unexplained injuries, symptoms of migraine headaches, auto accidents
- Claims of having been “mugged” but without witnesses
- Inability to focus and track in a conversation
- Signs of shakiness, tremors of hands
- Slurred speech
- Unsteady gait
- Constant runny nose
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Addiction Symptoms Observed by Friends and Community
- Noticeable signs of becoming personally isolated
- Embarrassing behavior
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol or a drug
- Legal problems
- Neglect of social commitments
- Unpredictable behavior such as inappropriate spending
Workplace Signs of Addiction
- Signs of workaholic behavior
- Disorganized schedule
- Decreased workload or workload intolerance
- Signs of poor work performance
- Alcohol on breath with attempts to cover with mints or mouthwash
- Frequent unexplained absences or prolonged breaks
- Tardiness or leaving work early
- Withdrawal from professional committees or organizations
- Defensive if questioned or confronted
- Poor judgment
- Observed occurrences of drug or alcohol intoxication, drowsiness or hypersensitivity during work hours
- Deadlines barely met or missed altogether
- Frequent job changes or relocation
- Avoiding supervisor or other co-workers