Do you know why some addicts take a long time before they get help?

It’s because recovery can’t begin without acceptance. For some people struggling with addictive behaviors, denial can be common. After all, who would want to admit that they’re an alcoholic or a drug abuser or a gambling addict?

So when loved ones ask them, for example, “are you on drugs?” They would either try to play down the situation and say it’s not that bad, or that “other people are worse off.”

They may also try to rationalize the behavior. They might say it’s because their jobs are so stressful, or that it’s not a real addiction.

Do you suspect you have a drug problem and want to confirm it through signs? Here are 10 that should help you realize the truth.

10 Signs of Addiction

Not all addicts neglect their physical appearance, have bloodshot eyes, or tremors. There are functioning addicts who can hold down jobs. They can manage their day to day routines, and fool their loved ones.

Let’s say your drug of choice is cocaine. You can Google “visible signs of cocaine use” and still come away feeling your drug use isn’t that bad. But there are other ways to tell if someone is using or abusing.

Here, we’ll talk about the obvious and not-so-obvious signs of drug addiction.

1. You Can’t Stop Using Drugs

Are you taking pain meds for an injury? Sedatives for a sleep problem? Do you still take them when you’re already better?

When you keep taking a drug when it’s no longer needed, it’s a sign you’re becoming dependent on it.

2. You Need More

If you’re increasing your dosage every time, it’s because you’ve already developed tolerance. That means you’ll have to keep doing more and more to feel the same high.

3. You Feel Sick When the Drug Wears Off

Do you have headaches, stomach pain, or the shakes when you start to come down? You’re experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Some addicts hate the feeling so much they will do anything (i.e. take more drugs) to make them go away.

For addicts who abuse opiates, the withdrawal symptoms could be so intense, making it near impossible to quit. This is why for Opiate Detox to work, it has to employ safe medical detox protocols in combination with holistic treatment therapies.

4. You Think About It All the Time

As much as you hate withdrawal symptoms, you still can’t stop thinking about using. You think about how to have more or when you can use again.

5. You Don’t Stick to Your Limits

You promised yourself, you’ll only use “this much.” But you end up using more than that. Or you tell yourself you’ll only do drugs during the weekend.

Addicts have a difficult time giving themselves limits. If you’re using more than you meant to, you have a problem.

6. Your Eating or Sleeping Habits Have Changed

Some people look for signs of drug use on the face. But a clearer physical sign is drastic weight change. This could be due to changes in eating or sleeping habits, causing one to lose a lot of weight or put on the pounds.

7. Your Relationships Are Suffering

You keep getting into fights with your relatives, friends, and co-workers. They all complain about how much you’ve changed.

Or you’ve found a new set of friends who also use drugs. And you prefer to spend most of your time with them.

8. You Feel Angry or Irritable

You could say that increased aggression or irritability happens to anyone. But if it’s happening more than usual, it’s likely your drug use is starting to affect your emotions.

9. You Feel Lethargic or Depressed

On the flip side, if you can’t seem to shake off the blues, it could be a behavioral symptom of drug use. Remember, addiction influences changes in one’s personality and behavior.

10. You’re Having Financial Problems

Do you always borrow money from your family and friends? Have you started stealing from them, promising to pay them back when you’re flush with cash?

If you’re having money troubles, it’s not because payday’s too far away. It’s because you need the cash to sustain your drug use.

Are You On Drugs?

It’s not easy facing the truth and saying yes to the question: Are you on drugs? But you need to be honest with yourself if you want to get better.

If you’re an addict or know someone who is, you can check out 5 Tips for Helping Someone with a Drug Addiction. You could also read How to Talk to a Loved One About Their Drug Abuse.