For many alcohol and substance addicts, what started as a drink to unwind or a one-time drug experience turned into a habit that cannot be controlled. Many alcohol and drug users continue to abuse their bodies. Any user of alcohol or a drug needs to observe closely to start realizing that he or she has tread too long on a dangerous path. But what are the signs that point out the addiction in the user?

Doctors and researchers state the following points that underline the addiction among users.

1. Increased frequency of usage
As the intoxication seems to wear away soon, the frequency of usage gradually increases.

2. Diminished social behavior
As the user gets more and more comfortable with the intoxication, he/she feels less outgoing and tends to cut off social obligations.

3. Avoidance or failure to meet work and academic obligations
Socialising and responsibilities seem like a burden making the user less efficient at work and studies. Decreased focus and motivation to carry out tasks make the user fail at mundane and challenging tasks.

4. Increased withdrawal symptoms
The addiction kicks in the urge for more intoxication — this makes withdrawal symptoms to appear more often. Thus, increasing the habit of drug and alcohol abuse.

5. Impulsivity
Decreased focus and increased distractedness make the user impulsive. Spending too much, getting angry too quickly, or quitting tasks sooner become trending patterns of behavior.

6. Relationship issues with family and friends
Increase in withdrawal symptoms makes the user sever relationship ties with close members of the family. Once the family or friend starts to show signs of concern, the abuser starts hiding the habit. Thus causing more strain on the relationship.

7. Decrease of interest in general activities
Mundane activities and even interesting hobbies become boring as the drug or alcohol habit takes a prime role in the daily life of heavy drinkers and drug users.

8. Decreased energy, ailments, and physical injury
Even though the tolerance levels increase, the body takes up much energy to digest and handle the chemicals that have been introduced. Thus, the user feels drained after regular use. As the body gets weaker, the immune system gets weaker as the person gets sick more often and wounds do not heal sooner as they used to. In cases of depression during withdrawal, there are high chances of self-harm.

9. Feeling dependent
After experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms, the body starts craving for the substance or alcohol more than ever. Psychologically, one feels that nothing could be done without the drug or alcohol. The intoxicant’s effect takes over the mind and becomes the default mode of the person.

The above points are signs of warning to any drinker or substance user. Even if anyone point describes their current situation, they can be assured that he or she is clearly an abuser. And the road to recovery is not too far away.