An individual may take drugs, even abuse them, but may not be sure whether or not they are actually an addict. A person might have a loved one who uses drugs and may also wonder if he or she has an addiction problem. To provide guidance for both scenarios, below, we have provided a short list of drug addiction symptoms. It is important for me to emphasize that this is an abbreviated list and in no way is exhaustive. You may know people that are addicts who have symptoms that are not listed here. However, if you or a loved one experiences these symptoms, there is a chance that you or they are addicted to drugs. Before we begin, it is important to note that it is possible to be addicted both street and prescription drugs.

Some items that if you can relate to, may be a sign that you have a drug addiction problem and you should seek drug addiction help.

a. Strong and ongoing physical and psychological cravings for drugs: Persons that have a strong and ongoing physical and psychological craving for drugs may be addicts. These cravings can occur anytime and are often pretty continual. When a person is not high, they may have obsessive thoughts about getting high and scoring drugs.

b. The inability to stop using even if and when one wants to: When a person is no longer able to stop taking drugs even when they want to, then they have an addiction. They have lost control and are in a very perilous position. At this point, drug addiction help needs to be provided or sought out.

c. Feeling dependent on drugs to get throughout the day: Individuals that can not function and carry on their normal activities with out getting high are likely addicted to drugs. This dependency can be psychological, physical or both. This is a pretty common drug addiction symptom.

d. Willingness to perform illegal or questionable activities to support one’s drug habit: Another common drug addiction symptom is the willingness to do whatever it takes to get drugs. This may include activities that are illegal or questionable. Many people that are addicted to drugs will prostitute themselves, lie, steal, cheat and rob. These actions may even be aimed at people that they love and have close relationships with.

e. A willingness to put your self and others at physical risk while high: The willingness to endanger oneself in order to get high or while one is high is a sign that someone has a drug addiction problem. This may include hanging out and getting high in dangerous neighborhoods, trading unprotected sex for drugs or having sex with unknown partners. Driving while high or while taking care of young children is another indication of addictive behaviors.

In this article, we have discussed symptoms commonly associated with drug addiction. As stated above, these symptoms listed and discussed here are not exhaustive but they are common. They include a willingness of one to put them self and others at physical risk in order to or while getting high, engaging in illegal or illicit activities in order to get drugs, strong cravings for drugs and the inability to stop using even when one wants to.

If you or someone you know needs drug addiction help, please call 1-800. This is a free call and all information will be kept confidential.