Types of Drug Addicts and How to Recognize Them

Individuals can become addicted to a wide variety of substances including illegal drugs, prescription medications, over-the-counter medications and alcohol. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 23 million individuals over the age of 12 suffer from some type of drug addiction each year.
“Individuals who suffer from a history of family drug addiction are at a higher risk of drug addiction than others.”-Projectknow.com
Drug addiction affects individuals from all types of backgrounds. Anyone who has access to any type of habit-forming medication is at risk for addiction. This is especially true if you are predisposed to addictive behaviors. Individuals who suffer from a history of family drug addiction are at a higher risk of drug addiction than others. Individuals who suffer from mental illness are also at a higher risk for drug addiction. Drug abuse or addiction is not always recognized. Functional drug addicts are able to do well in school or at work, yet they still rely on medications to get them through the day. There are many different types of drug addicts.

Signs Someone is an Alcoholic

According to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, alcohol is one of the most widely used drugs in the world. Nearly 50 percent of all high school students use alcohol every year to get intoxicated. Warning signs of alcohol addiction include:

• Neglecting school work or missing time from work
• Lack of enjoyment in things that once caused pleasure
• Making excuses for drinking habits
• Feeling guilty about the amount of alcohol drank
• Lying about drinking habits
• Hiding alcohol
• Tolerance to alcohol
• Blacking out while drinking
• Drinking more than intended
• Inability to stop drinking
• Drinking in order to feel relaxed

Risks of Amphetamine Addiction

Amphetamines speed up the central nervous system. They are one of the most addictive drugs that are available on the market. Street names include “speed“,”crack“, “crank” and “methamphetamine“. These drugs are generally cheap and easily accessible for addicts. Amphetamine addicts are some of the most common types of drug addicts in the United States. Amphetamines cause high blood pressure, loss of appetite, headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, anxiety, hallucinations, convulsions and heart failure.

Addiction to Nicotine

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 90 percent of all lung cancer cases are due to cigarette smoking. Tobacco products are illegal to all individuals under the age of 18 in the United States, yet the products are inexpensive and easy to obtain. Nicotine is highly addictive. It is reported to be one of the most addictive substances in the world. The chemical works to release intense feelings of pleasure from the brain. Every time a user lights up a cigarette, they add to their addiction. Smoking can cause cancer, heart disease and stroke.

What Does Steroids Abuse Look Like?

Individuals who are obsessed with fitness and increasing muscle size often find themselves addicted to steroids. Steroid addiction occurs frequently in athletes and body builders. The steroids themselves give the user a high after each hit. They may feel that the feelings come from the satisfaction of achieving a perfect body, when in fact the feelings come from the steroids themselves. Signs of steroid addiction include:

• Continuing to use steroids in spite of the negative consequences
• Looking forward to the next dose
• Inability to stop
• Abnormal muscle growth
• Withdrawal symptoms between doses

Addiction to steroids is usually fueled by the desire to achieve a perfect body image.

Symptoms of Cocaine Use

Another drug addict type is an individual who is addicted to cocaine. Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant. It is the most widely abused stimulant in America. It is also referred to as “coke.” Cocaine gives the user an intense high. It can cause high blood pressure and an increased heart rate, which can lead to heart attack or stroke.

The Unpredictability of Hallucinogens

Hallucinogens include PCP, angel dust and LSD. These drugs interrupt brain function, and they can alter ones natural instincts. Individuals who use hallucinogens experience loss of coordination, slurred speech, anxiety, depression, convulsions, coma, dulled speech, slowed breathing and heart failure. The effects of these drugs are usually unpredictable, and they can cause instant death depending on the individual.

Common Effects of Narcotics

Narcotics include heroin, morphine and Demerol. These drugs usually leave one with a feeling of euphoria. They can cause drowsiness, nausea and vomiting. Tolerance to these drugs can occur very quickly, which causes abuse.

Over-the-Counter Medications

“Cough syrups and antihistamines that cause drowsiness are frequently abused.”-Projectknow.com
Over-the-counter drug addicts are another type of addict. Over-the-counter medications are easily accessible and widely abused by teenagers and young people. Cough syrups and antihistamines that cause drowsiness are frequently abused. Tolerance to these medications can occur with prolonged use.

If you have, or someone you love has, any questions concerning the types of drug addicts, call us at any time day or night for confidential information.