When people think of drug addiction, they may think of individuals who have a serious problem. This line of thinking is not incorrect as addiction can take a major toll on your life and the lives of your loved ones. Unfortunately, even if you want to stop using the substance, the addiction can make it immensely difficult for you to do so.
In fact, wanting to stop using but not having the ability to do so can act as one of the signs of a drug addiction. Many other signs and symptoms could also point to this problem, and while some people are able to obtain help before they land in serious predicaments, you may not be so lucky.
Addiction signs
As mentioned, an inability to stop using can act as a symptom of drug addiction, but you may also experience the following signs:
- Using a considerable amount of time and energy to find and obtain the substance
- Developing a tolerance so that more of the drug is needed to reach desired outcomes
- Spending too much money or money you do not have on drugs
- Isolating yourself from friends and family in order to hide drug use
- Having a physical dependence on the substance
- Choosing to use drugs or get drugs instead of going to work or attending to other responsibilities
- Hanging out with people who encourage drug use or other unhealthy habits
- Craving the substance and having intense urges to use
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms after going without the drug or while trying to stop using
Of course, you do not have to exhibit all of these signs in order to have a drug abuse problem, but these listed do commonly show themselves in people with addictions.
Poor judgment
Another issue that could point to an addiction problem and that could also lead to serious repercussions is making poor decisions. You may find yourself so addicted to a drug that you do not care what lengths you have to go to in order to obtain it, and you may even end up selling drugs yourself or participating in other illegal activities in order to get the substance. Unfortunately, these actions could result in you facing serious allegation for drug crimes or other offenses.
If you do end up in this type of predicament, you may find it useful to review your criminal defense options. The type of legal routes available to you may depend on your exact circumstances, but you could have the ability to find the avenue you feel most comfortable pursuing.
