Early-stage symptoms of alcoholism or drug addiction may include:

  • Increased tolerance to alcohol or drugs, needing to drink or use more drugs to achieve the same effect.
  • Drinking or using drugs alone or secretly, hiding the amount or frequency you use.
  • Neglecting responsibilities, such as work or family responsibilities due to drinking or drugs.
  • Mood swings or irritability, especially when alcohol or drugs are not available.
  • Using alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression.
  • Engaging in risky behaviours, such as driving under the influence.
  • Denying or minimizing the problem when confronted by others.
recoverytime

Later stage symptoms of alcoholism or drug addiction may include:

  • Physical dependence on alcohol or drugs, experiencing withdrawal symptoms when attempting to quit.
  • Continued drinking or taking drugs despite negative consequences, such as legal, financial or relationship problems.
  • Loss of control over your drinking or drug taking, inability to stop or moderate despite attempts to do so.
  • Blackouts or memory loss.
  • Health problems, such as liver disease, high blood pressure, or pancreatitis, delirium dreams or delirium tremors. (DT’s)
  • Increased isolation from friends and family, preferring to spend time drinking or taking drugs instead.
  • Difficulty maintaining employment or other important relationships due to your use of alcohol or drugs.

It’s important to note that everyone’s experience with alcohol or drug addiction may vary, and not all individuals may exhibit all of these symptoms. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol or drug addiction, seeking help is the first step towards recovery.

10 Questions?

  • What is your relationship with alcohol or drugs? (e.g., social, occasional, problem drinker or drug use)
  • How often do you consume alcohol or drugs? (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly, rarely)
  • How much do you usually consume on a typical occasion? (e.g., number of standard drinks, units of alcohol or occasional drugs or much more)
  • Have you ever experienced any negative consequences as a result of drinking or taking drugs? (e.g., legal issues, health problems, relationship problems)
  • Have you ever tried to cut down or stop before? If so, what was your experience?
  • Are there any triggers that make you more likely to drink or drug? (e.g., stress, social situations, boredom)
  • Do you have a support network in place to help you manage your use? (e.g., family, friends, support groups)
  • Are there any other substances that you use in conjunction with alcohol or drugs? (e.g., prescription medication)
  • Have you ever received treatment or support for alcohol or drug use before? If so, what was your experience?
  • What are your goals for your relationship with alcohol or drugs? (e.g., moderation, abstinence, reducing negative consequences)

If you have answered yes to more than two or three of these questions, then you should begin to take your use of alcohol or drugs very seriously. Alcohol and drug addiction are progressive illness which in almost all cases get worse over time, not better.