Addiction Symptoms: How to Recognize the Signs in Yourself or a Loved One
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At a Glance: Key Addiction Symptoms
Physical signs: Changes in pupils, sleep problems, weight fluctuations, poor hygiene, and withdrawal symptoms.
Behavioral signs: Secrecy, risky behavior, neglecting responsibilities, financial struggles, and social withdrawal.
Mental & emotional signs: Cravings, irritability, anxiety, depression, denial, and memory or focus issues.
DSM-5 criteria: 11 symptoms across impaired control, social impairment, risky use, and pharmacological effects (tolerance/withdrawal).
When to seek help: If two or more DSM-5 symptoms appear within a year, or if physical/mental health is at risk, it’s time to reach out.
Addiction Symptoms: How to Recognize the Signs in Yourself or a Loved One
Recognizing addiction early saves time, money, health, and—often—relationships. This guide explains what addiction symptoms look like, how clinicians define them, and what you can do if you’re seeing these signs in yourself or someone you care about. It includes the 11 DSM‑5 criteria, plain‑language checklists of physical, behavioral, and mentalwarning signs, quick by‑substance snapshots, and immediate next steps for getting help.
Important: Only a qualified professional can diagnose a substance use disorder. If you’re concerned, reach out for a confidential assessment or call the Nova Recovery Center at (512) 605-2955. If someone is unresponsive, having trouble breathing, or you suspect an overdose, call 911 immediately.
What is addiction?
Addiction—clinically called a substance use disorder (SUD) when substances are involved—is a chronic brain‑based condition marked by compulsive use despite harmful consequences. Over time, changes in brain circuits that regulate reward, stress, and self‑control make quitting difficult without support.
You’ll see the same pattern across substances (alcohol, opioids, stimulants, cannabis, sedatives) and even some behaviors (gambling, gaming, compulsive sexual behavior): loss of control, cravings, continued use despite harm, and functional problems at home, work, school, or socially.
The 11 DSM‑5 symptoms of addiction (SUD)
Clinicians identify a substance use disorder when someone meets two or more of the following 11 symptoms within a 12‑month period. Severity is based on the count: 2–3 (mild), 4–5 (moderate), 6+ (severe).
Impaired control
Using more or for longer than intended
Wanting to cut down but not managing to
Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering
Craving or a strong desire to use
Social impairment
Problems at work/school/home due to use
Continuing despite relationship problems caused or worsened by use
Important activities given up (social, hobbies, work roles)
Risky use
Using in physically dangerous situations (e.g., driving)
Continuing despite physical or psychological problems caused/worsened by use
Pharmacological
Tolerance (needing more for the same effect)*
Withdrawal (symptoms when stopping/reducing; relieved by taking more)*
*Tolerance and withdrawal do not count toward a diagnosis when they occur during appropriate medical use under supervision alone.
Quick‑glance checklists: common physical, behavioral, and mental signs
Real‑world symptoms fall into patterns you can observe. The lists below are informational only—not a diagnosis.
Physical signs
Noticeable tolerance: needing more to feel effects
Withdrawal between uses: sweating, tremors, nausea, insomnia, irritability
Changes in pupils, bloodshot eyes; slurred speech
Unexplained weight change, poor appetite or constant snacking
Sleep disruption: insomnia or excessive sleep
Frequent “flu‑like” illnesses, chronic cough, nosebleeds (snorting), needle marks (injecting)
Declining personal hygiene and general appearance
(Adapted from Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, and other medical sources.)
Behavioral signs
Loss of control over amount/frequency
Secrecy or deception around use; hiding paraphernalia
Risky behavior (driving impaired, unsafe sex, mixing substances)
Money issues: borrowing, selling valuables, missing bill payments
Dropping responsibilities; missed work/school; declining performance
Social withdrawal; changing friend groups; quitting hobbies
Legal or disciplinary problems related to use
Mental & emotional signs
Cravings; intrusive thoughts about the next use
Anxiety, depression, irritability, mood swings
Memory and attention problems; slower thinking
Denial, minimization, defensiveness when confronted
Anhedonia (not enjoying normal activities) without the substance
(Aligned with clinical and psycho‑educational resources.)
Emergency red flags: slow or stopped breathing, blue lips, unresponsiveness, seizures, chest pain. Call 911. If you suspect an opioid overdose and have naloxone, use it and then call 911.
Are these symptoms “normal stress”… or addiction?
Many signs above overlap with other health or mental‑health conditions. That’s why self‑diagnosis is tricky and why a professional assessment matters. A clinician will screen for co‑occurring disorders (e.g., anxiety, PTSD, depression) and rule out medical issues before confirming a substance use disorder.
Am I addicted?” – fast self‑screeners (informational)
Self‑screeners are not diagnoses, but they can help you decide whether to seek a professional evaluation:
CAGE (alcohol) – 4 questions about Cutting down, Annoyance, Guilt, Eye‑opener
AUDIT (alcohol) – 10 questions; more sensitive for hazardous use
DAST‑10 (drugs) – 10 questions on drug‑related problems
DSM‑5 SUD checklist – 11 criteria scored for severity (mild/moderate/severe)
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Symptoms by substance
The DSM‑5 symptoms stay the same, but short‑term effects, withdrawal patterns, and physical signs vary. Below are consumer‑friendly snapshots that reflect common presentations and what clinicians watch for.
Physical: slurred speech, poor coordination, blackouts, gastritis, sleep problems; withdrawal may include tremors, anxiety, insomnia, sweating—severe cases risk seizures/DTs (medical emergency).
Behavioral: conflicts at home/work, risky driving, morning “eye‑openers.”
Mental: cravings, denial/minimization, mood swings. (NIAAA & clinical summaries.)
Physical: pinpoint pupils, drowsiness, slowed breathing, constipation; withdrawal brings flu‑like symptoms (aches, sweating, GI upset), insomnia, anxiety.
Behavioral: doctor shopping, using more than prescribed, isolating.
Mental: cravings; using to avoid withdrawal more than to feel “high.”
Physical: reduced appetite/weight loss, dilated pupils, elevated heart rate/blood pressure; meth may cause dental problems and skin picking.
Behavioral: bursts of energy → crashes, agitation, risk‑taking, financial strain.
Mental: anxiety, paranoia, irritability; intense cravings. (Medical/health authority summaries.)
Physical: red eyes, increased appetite; with heavy use—cough, bronchitis‑like symptoms; in some, cannabinoid hyperemesis (cyclic vomiting).
Behavioral: reduced motivation, memory problems, time misperception.
Mental: anxiety or paranoia in some users; cravings in daily heavy use.
Physical: drowsiness, slowed reaction time, dizziness; withdrawal can be dangerous (risk of seizures)—medical supervision is vital.
Behavioral: escalating doses, combining with alcohol, doctor hopping.
Mental: memory problems, rebound anxiety/insomnia.
Physical: increased heart rate/blood pressure; withdrawal: irritability, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, strong cravings.
Behavioral: frequent breaks to vape/smoke, difficulty cutting down despite intentions. (Cleveland Clinic consumer page.)
You’ll also see similar “addiction‑like” patterns with behavioral addictions (e.g., gambling, gaming, pornography, compulsive social media). The hallmark is loss of control and continued behavior despite clear harm. Professional evaluation helps determine severity and the right treatment path.
Early warning signs (before life blows up)
Escalating use to manage stress, boredom, or sleep
Using alone or at odd hours
Rules keep shifting: “I’ll only use on weekends” → “Only after work” → daily use
Substance becomes central to planning and time
Growing secrecy and defensiveness
Drifting from non‑using friends/activities
These patterns often precede full DSM‑5 criteria—a perfect time to seek help.
Withdrawal symptoms vs. addiction symptoms: what’s the difference?
Addiction symptoms describe the pattern of behavior and consequences (the 11 DSM‑5 criteria).
Withdrawal symptoms are physical/psychological effects that occur when the substance leaves the body after dependence has formed (e.g., tremors, sweating, insomnia, cravings).
You can develop dependence (and withdrawal) with some prescribed medications without having a substance use disorder—context matters.
When to seek professional help (and when to call 911)
Seek an evaluation if two or more of the DSM‑5 items fit your recent year, or if the checklists above feel familiar. Certain signs require urgent attention:
Stopping breathing, blue lips/skin, or unresponsiveness
Seizures, severe confusion, or chest pain
Severe alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms
Call 911 for emergencies.
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How clinicians confirm a diagnosis
A clinician will review your history, substances, amounts/frequency, prior attempts to cut down, medical and mental‑health history, meds, and social/occupational impacts. They’ll match your experience to DSM‑5 criteria and may order labs or coordinate medical exams to rule out other conditions. Severity guides the level of care, from outpatient to intensive outpatient (IOP) to residential/inpatient.
What helps: proven treatment options
There is no single path, but evidence‑based care works—and recovery is common.
Medical detox (for alcohol, opioids, sedatives, and others where withdrawal can be risky)
Medication‑assisted treatment (MAT) for certain substances (e.g., buprenorphine or methadone for opioid use disorder; naltrexone for alcohol/opioid relapse prevention)
Evidence‑based therapies: CBT, motivational interviewing, contingency management
Peer and family support: 12‑step, SMART Recovery, family education
Aftercare and relapse prevention: continued therapy, sober housing, alumni groups
If you’re worried about someone you love
Choose the timing. Talk when they’re sober and the environment is calm.
Use “I” statements. “I’ve noticed you’ve missed work and seem down. I’m worried.”
Offer a next step. “Can we call a counselor together?”
Set limits with love. Boundaries protect you and sometimes prompt change.
Have resources ready. Local treatment programs, telehealth options
Why choose Nova Recovery Center
If these symptoms resonate, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Nova Recovery Center provides a full continuum of care designed for long‑term sobriety, blending evidence‑based treatment, clinical and peer support, and holistic services that address mind, body, and spirit. Programs include residential treatment, intensive outpatient programming, and aftercare—with individualized plans for chronic relapse prevention and sustainable recovery.
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FAQ: Common Questions About Addiction Symptoms
What are the early signs of addiction?
Escalating use, cravings, secrecy, neglecting responsibilities, and using despite problems are early flags. Two or more DSM‑5 symptoms within a year suggests a substance use disorder.
What are the 11 symptoms of addiction in DSM‑5?
They span impaired control, social impairment, risky use, and pharmacology (tolerance/withdrawal). See the list above for plain‑language explanations.
How do physical, behavioral, and mental signs differ?
Physical signs include intoxication and withdrawal; behavioral signs include secrecy, risk‑taking, and failing obligations; mental signs include cravings, mood changes, and denial.
What are common physical symptoms of drug addiction?
Pupil changes, slurred speech, weight change, sleep disruption, hygiene decline, “flu‑like” withdrawal, and—in some substances—track marks or nosebleeds.
How do addiction symptoms differ by substance (alcohol vs. opioids vs. stimulants)?
The diagnostic criteria are the same, but short‑term effects, withdrawal, and health risks differ (e.g., slowed breathing in opioids; agitation and weight loss with stimulants).
Can you have withdrawal without being “addicted”?
Yes. Physical dependence and withdrawal can occur with proper medical use of certain medications; context determines whether a SUD diagnosis applies.
What is the difference between addiction and substance misuse?
Misuse means using a substance in a harmful way but may not meet diagnostic criteria. Addiction involves the DSM‑5 pattern of impaired control and continued use despite harm.
What mental health symptoms are linked to addiction?
Irritability, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, attention/memory problems, and anhedonia are common co‑occurring experiences.
How is addiction treated?
With a blend of medical care (detox, MAT), behavioral therapies, peer/family support, and aftercare. Treatment is individualized and effective; recovery is possible.