20
Signs of Addiction, Part Four
We've been working through an article entitled "20 Secret
Signs of Addiction: Learn the tell-tale signs that a loved
one is addicted to drugs or alcohol" by Melanie Haiken,
Caring.com. The whole article can be referenced here: URL:
http://health.msn.com/ health-topics/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100260596>
1=31036. This is our last group of five.
I know from personal experience that knowing whether someone
you love has a problem with alcohol or drugs isn't as straightforward
as it sounds. Most people who overuse alcohol and drugs become
adept at disguising their behavior. Shame, embarrassment,
and fear of consequences will cause someone to go to extreme
lengths to hide what they're doing. In many cases, the person
who's drinking too much or using drugs doesn't want to recognize
or admit that he's not in control of the situation.
Sadly, many times we don't find out until a tragedy, such
as a drunk driving accident or an overdose, has occurred.
Knowing these 20 secret signs of addiction can help you prevent
that from happening.
16. Pain that never ends: Prescription drug addiction
is one of the most common types of addiction today. Back pain
is one of the most common symptoms used to get pain meds,
doctors say, because it's nondescript and hard to prove, even
with testing. Another tactic is going to more than one doctor
and getting prescriptions for similar drugs, or claiming that
certain drugs don't work. "If someone tells their physician
that they're allergic to NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs) such as Motrin, and they say that only narcotics work
for pain, that's a red flag," says Joseph Garbely of
Friends Hospital in Philadelphia.
17. Sickness without cause: When people are abusing
alcohol or drugs, they just don't feel good much of the time,
so frequent, vague illnesses can be a sign that something's
up. Food poisoning, headache, diarrhea, constipation, and
"my back went out" are all common-and sometimes
real, sometimes not. In addition, low energy, fatigue, and
depression that seem to come on suddenly without reason may
not be caused by the drug itself but by withdrawal, says Smith.
18. Paranoia and panic attacks: Attacks of paranoia
are a well-known occurrence to anyone who's smoked pot, but
they're also a common side effect of many other drugs and
of alcohol. Panic attacks, too, can be caused by many drugs,
particularly stimulants. Sometimes these symptoms are temporary,
but over time drug addicts' personalities can completely change.
"Cocaine alters the brain and can cause a variety of
psychological symptoms, including thoughts that 'everyone
is out to get me' or 'the walls are closing in around me,'"
says Harold Urschel of Dallas.
19. The storyteller: Would it surprise you to know
that someone who proclaims dramatically that he hasn't had
a drink in two weeks is an alcoholic? It shouldn't; telling
stories to yourself and others is a natural reaction for someone
who can't admit he has a drinking problem. They'll also tell
stories to explain discrepancies in their behavior, missed
obligations, or to obtain prescription pain killers in the
name of a relative.
20. The blame game: The need to deny the addiction
leads to an epidemic of blame. "Addicts and alcoholics
are known for blaming, guilt-tripping, and making others responsible
for their misery," says Liliane Desjardins of the Pavillion
International treatment center in Texas. Endless excuses for
bad behavior become the norm, but no matter what happens,
somehow it's always someone else's fault. That dented bumper?
Well, why did you leave the car in the driveway where he didn't
expect it to be?
~Shawn
