Addiction is a chronic brain disorder characterised by compulsive drug use despite the negative effects on a person’s health, life, and overall well-being. What was once called “addiction” is now termed substance use disorder in the DSM-5, with varying severity levels (mild, moderate, severe).
Physical Signs
Early indicators include increased tolerance, sleep disruptions, weight changes, appearance deterioration, and fatigue. Later-stage signs encompass:
Behavioural Signs
Psychological & Emotional Signs
Substance-Specific Signs
Different substances produce different visible signatures.
Alcohol
Slurred speech, balance issues, flushed face, night sweats, slowed reactions, irritability when not drinking.
Stimulants
Dilated pupils, high energy followed by crashes, weight loss, aggressive or paranoid behaviour, extended periods awake.
Benzodiazepines
Slurred speech, lethargy, poor coordination, drowsiness, slower reactions.
Opioids
Pinpoint pupils, drowsiness or "nodding off", needle marks (if injecting), skin infections, memory problems.
Tolerance, Dependence, and Addiction — Not the Same
Not everyone that uses drugs develops a dependence or addiction. Tolerance (needing more to get the same effect), dependence (physical adaptation producing withdrawal when use stops), and addiction (compulsive use despite consequences) represent different clinical phenomena, requiring distinct treatment approaches.
When to Seek Help
Professional intervention is warranted when substance use disrupts daily functioning, relationships, employment, or school. If you or someone you love is showing any of these signs, an admissions conversation with a detox facility can help clarify the next step — no commitment, no pressure.
