Drug addiction symptoms or behaviors include, among others:  Feeling that you have to use the drug regularly — daily or even several times a day Having intense urges for the drug that block out any other thoughts Over time, needing more of the drug to get the same effect Taking larger amounts of the drug over a longer period of time than you intended Making certain that you maintain a supply of the drug Spending money on the drug, even though you can't afford it Not meeting obligations and work responsibilities, or cutting back on social or recreational activities because of drug use Continuing to use the drug, even though you know it's causing problems in your life or causing you physical or psychological harm Doing things to get the drug that you normally wouldn't do, such as stealing Driving or doing other risky activities when you're under the influence of the drug Spending a good deal of time getting the drug, using the drug or recovering from the effects of the drug Failing in your attempts to stop using the drug Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you attempt to stop taking the drug  Recognizing unhealthy drug use in family members Sometimes it's difficult to distinguish normal teenage moodiness or anxiety from signs of drug use. Possible signs that your teenager or other family member is using drugs include:  Problems at school or work — frequently missing school or work, a sudden disinterest in school activities or work, or a drop in grades or work performance Physical health issues — lack of energy and motivation, weight loss or gain, or red eyes Neglected appearance — lack of interest in clothing, grooming or looks Changes in behavior — major efforts to bar family members from entering the teenager's room or being secretive about going out with friends; or drastic changes in behavior and in relationships with family and friends Money issues — sudden requests for money without a reasonable explanation; or your discovery that money is missing or has been stolen or that items have disappeared from your home, indicating maybe they're being sold to support drug use  Recognizing signs of drug use or intoxication Signs and symptoms of drug use or intoxication may vary, depending on the type of drug. Below you'll find several examples. Marijuana, hashish and other cannabis-containing substances People use cannabis by smoking, eating or inhaling a vaporized form of the drug. Cannabis often precedes or is used along with other substances, such as alcohol or illegal drugs, and is often the first drug tried. Signs and symptoms of recent use can include:  A sense of euphoria or feeling "high" A heightened sense of visual, auditory and taste perception Increased blood pressure and heart rate Red eyes Dry mouth Decreased coordination Difficulty concentrating or remembering Slowed reaction time Anxiety or paranoid thinking Cannabis odor on clothes or yellow fingertips Major cravings for certain foods at unusual times  Long-term use is often associated with:  Decreased mental sharpness Poor performance at school or at work Ongoing cough and frequent lung infections  K2, Spice and bath salts Two groups of synthetic drugs — synthetic cannabinoids and substituted or synthetic cathinones — are illegal in most states. The effects of these drugs can be dangerous and unpredictable, as there is no quality control and some ingredients may not be known. Synthetic cannabinoids, also called K2 or Spice, are sprayed on dried herbs and then smoked, but can be prepared as an herbal tea. A liquid form can be vaporized in electronic cigarettes. Despite manufacturer claims, these are chemical compounds rather than "natural" or harmless products. These drugs can produce a "high" similar to marijuana and have become a popular but dangerous alternative. Signs and symptoms of recent use can include:  A sense of euphoria or feeling "high" Elevated mood An altered sense of visual, auditory and taste perception Extreme anxiety or agitation Paranoia Hallucinations Increased heart rate and blood pressure or heart attack Vomiting Confusion Violent behavior  Substituted cathinones, also called "bath salts," are mind-altering (psychoactive) substances similar to amphetamines such as ecstasy (MDMA) and cocaine. Packages are often labeled as other products to avoid detection. Despite the name, these are not bath products such as Epsom salts. Substituted cathinones can be eaten, snorted, inhaled or injected and are highly addictive. These drugs can cause severe intoxication, which results in dangerous health effects or even death. Signs and symptoms of recent use can include:  Feeling "high" Increased sociability Increased energy and agitation Increased sex drive Increased heart rate and blood pressure Problems thinking clearly Loss of muscle control Paranoia Panic attacks Hallucinations Delirium Psychotic and violent behavior  Barbiturates, benzodiazepines and hypnotics Barbiturates, benzodiazepines and hypnotics are prescription central nervous system depressants. They're often used and misused in search for a sense of relaxation or a desire to "switch off" or forget stress-related thoughts or feelings.  Barbiturates. An example is phenobarbital. Benzodiazepines. Examples include sedatives, such as diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), clonazepam (Klonopin) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium). Hypnotics. Examples include prescription sleeping medicines such as zolpidem (Ambien) and zaleplon (Sonata).  Signs and symptoms of recent use can include:  Drowsiness Slurred speech Lack of coordination Irritability or changes in mood Problems concentrating or thinking clearly Memory problems Involuntary eye movements Lack of inhibition Slowed breathing and reduced blood pressure Falls or accidents Dizziness  Meth, cocaine and other stimulants Stimulants include amphetamines, meth (methamphetamine), cocaine, methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, others) and amphetamine-dextroamphetamine (Adderall XR, Mydayis). They're often used and misused in search of a "high," or to boost energy, to improve performance at work or school, or to lose weight or control appetite. Signs and symptoms of recent use can include:  Feeling of happy excitement and too much confidence Increased alertness Increased energy and restlessness Behavior changes or aggression Rapid or rambling speech Larger than usual pupils, the black circles in the middle of the eyes Confusion, delusions and hallucinations Irritability, anxiety or paranoia Changes in heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature Nausea or vomiting with weight loss Poor judgment Nasal congestion and damage to the mucous membrane of the nose (if snorting drugs) Mouth sores, gum disease and tooth decay from smoking drugs ("meth mouth") Insomnia Depression as the drug wears off  Club drugs Club drugs are commonly used at clubs, concerts and parties. Examples include methylenedioxymethamphetamine, also called MDMA, ecstasy or molly, and gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, known as GHB. Other examples include ketamine and flunitrazepam or Rohypnol ― a brand used outside the U.S. ― also called roofie. These drugs are not all in the same category, but they share some similar effects and dangers, including long-term harmful effects. Because GHB and flunitrazepam can cause sedation, muscle relaxation, confusion and memory loss, the potential for sexual misconduct or sexual assault is associated with the use of these drugs. GHB Signs and symptoms of use of club drugs can include:  Hallucinations Paranoia Larger than usual pupils Chills and sweating Involuntary shaking (tremors) Behavior changes Muscle cramping and teeth clenching Muscle relaxation, poor coordination or problems moving Reduced inhibitions Heightened or altered sense of sight, sound and taste Poor judgment Memory problems or loss of memory Reduced consciousness Increased or decreased heart rate and blood pressure  Hallucinogens Use of hallucinogens can produce different signs and symptoms, depending on the drug. The most common hallucinogens are lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and phencyclidine (PCP). LSD use may cause: LSD  Hallucinations Greatly reduced perception of reality, for example, interpreting input from one of your senses as another, such as hearing colors Impulsive behavior Rapid shifts in emotions Permanent mental changes in perception Rapid heart rate and high blood pressure Tremors Flashbacks, a reexperience of the hallucinations — even years later  PCP use may cause: PCP  A feeling of being separated from your body and surroundings Hallucinations Problems with coordination and movement Aggressive, possibly violent behavior Involuntary eye movements Lack of pain sensation Increase in blood pressure and heart rate Problems with thinking and memory Problems speaking Poor judgment Intolerance to loud noise Sometimes seizures or coma  Inhalants Signs and symptoms of inhalant use vary, depending on the substance. Some commonly inhaled substances include glue, paint thinners, correction fluid, felt tip marker fluid, gasoline, cleaning fluids and household aerosol products. Due to the toxic nature of these substances, users may develop brain damage or sudden death. Signs and symptoms of use can include:  Possessing an inhalant substance without a reasonable explanation Brief happy excitement Behaving as if drunk Reduced ability to keep impulses under control Aggressive behavior or eagerness to fight Dizziness Nausea or vomiting Involuntary eye movements Appearing under the influence of drugs, with slurred speech, slow movements and poor coordination Irregular heartbeats Tremors Lingering odor of inhalant material Rash around the nose and mouth  Opioid painkillers Opioids are narcotic, painkilling drugs produced from opium or made synthetically. This class of drugs includes, among others, heroin, morphine, codeine, methadone, fentanyl and oxycodone. Sometimes called the "opioid epidemic," addiction to opioid prescription pain medicines has reached an alarming rate across the United States. Some people who've been using opioids over a long period of time may need physician-prescribed temporary or long-term drug substitution during treatment. Signs and symptoms of narcotic use and dependence can include:  A sense of feeling "high" Reduced sense of pain Agitation, drowsiness or sedation Slurred speech Problems with attention and memory Pupils that are smaller than usual Lack of awareness or inattention to surrounding people and things Problems with coordination Depression Confusion Constipation Runny nose or nose sores (if snorting drugs) Needle marks (if injecting drugs) 
drug addiction symptoms behaviors include  others:  feeling drug regularly — daily times day intense urges drug block thoughts time  needing drug effect taking larger amounts drug longer period time intended making maintain supply drug spending money drug  can't afford meeting obligations work responsibilities  cutting back social recreational activities drug continuing drug  know it's causing problems life causing physical psychological harm drug normally wouldn't do  stealing driving risky activities you're influence drug spending deal time drug  using drug recovering effects drug attempts using drug experiencing withdrawal symptoms attempt taking drug  recognizing unhealthy drug family members it's difficult distinguish normal teenage moodiness anxiety signs drug use  possible signs teenager family member using drugs include:  problems school work — frequently missing school work  sudden disinterest school activities work  drop grades work performance physical health issues — lack energy motivation  weight loss gain  red eyes neglected appearance — lack interest clothing  grooming looks changes behavior — major efforts bar family members entering teenager's room being secretive going friends; drastic changes behavior relationships family friends money issues — sudden requests money reasonable explanation; discovery money missing stolen items disappeared home  maybe they're being sold support drug  recognizing signs drug intoxication signs symptoms drug intoxication may vary  depending type drug  you'll find examples  marijuana  hashish cannabis-containing substances people cannabis smoking  eating inhaling vaporized form drug  cannabis precedes substances  alcohol illegal drugs  first drug tried  signs symptoms recent can include:  sense euphoria feeling "high" heightened sense visual  auditory taste perception increased blood pressure heart rate red eyes dry mouth decreased coordination difficulty concentrating remembering slowed reaction time anxiety paranoid thinking cannabis odor clothes yellow fingertips major cravings foods unusual times  long-term associated with:  decreased mental sharpness poor performance school work ongoing cough frequent lung infections  k2  spice bath salts groups synthetic drugs — synthetic cannabinoids substituted synthetic cathinones — illegal states  effects drugs can dangerous unpredictable  quality control ingredients may known  synthetic cannabinoids  called k2 spice  sprayed dried herbs smoked  can prepared herbal tea  liquid form can vaporized electronic cigarettes  manufacturer claims  chemical compounds "natural" harmless products  drugs can produce "high" similar marijuana popular dangerous alternative  signs symptoms recent can include:  sense euphoria feeling "high" elevated mood altered sense visual  auditory taste perception extreme anxiety agitation paranoia hallucinations increased heart rate blood pressure heart attack vomiting confusion violent behavior  substituted cathinones  called "bath salts " mind-altering (psychoactive) substances similar amphetamines ecstasy (mdma) cocaine  packages labeled products avoid detection  name  bath products epsom salts  substituted cathinones can eaten  snorted  inhaled injected highly addictive  drugs can cause severe intoxication  results dangerous health effects death  signs symptoms recent can include:  feeling "high" increased sociability increased energy agitation increased sex drive increased heart rate blood pressure problems thinking clearly loss muscle control paranoia panic attacks hallucinations delirium psychotic violent behavior  barbiturates  benzodiazepines hypnotics barbiturates  benzodiazepines hypnotics prescription central nervous system depressants  they're misused search sense relaxation desire "switch off" forget stress-related thoughts feelings   barbiturates  example phenobarbital  benzodiazepines  examples include sedatives  diazepam (valium)  alprazolam (xanax)  lorazepam (ativan)  clonazepam (klonopin) chlordiazepoxide (librium)  hypnotics  examples include prescription sleeping medicines zolpidem (ambien) zaleplon (sonata)   signs symptoms recent can include:  drowsiness slurred speech lack coordination irritability changes mood problems concentrating thinking clearly memory problems involuntary eye movements lack inhibition slowed breathing reduced blood pressure falls accidents dizziness  meth  cocaine stimulants stimulants include amphetamines  meth (methamphetamine)  cocaine  methylphenidate (ritalin  concerta  others) amphetamine-dextroamphetamine (adderall xr  mydayis)  they're misused search "high " boost energy  improve performance work school  lose weight control appetite  signs symptoms recent can include:  feeling happy excitement confidence increased alertness increased energy restlessness behavior changes aggression rapid rambling speech larger usual pupils  black circles middle eyes confusion  delusions hallucinations irritability  anxiety paranoia changes heart rate  blood pressure body temperature nausea vomiting weight loss poor judgment nasal congestion damage mucous membrane nose (if snorting drugs) mouth sores  gum disease tooth decay smoking drugs ("meth mouth") insomnia depression drug wears  club drugs club drugs commonly clubs  concerts parties  examples include methylenedioxymethamphetamine  called mdma  ecstasy molly  gamma-hydroxybutyric acid  known ghb  examples include ketamine flunitrazepam rohypnol ― brand u s  ― called roofie  drugs category  share similar effects dangers  including long-term harmful effects  ghb flunitrazepam can cause sedation  muscle relaxation  confusion memory loss  potential sexual misconduct sexual assault associated drugs  ghb signs symptoms club drugs can include:  hallucinations paranoia larger usual pupils chills sweating involuntary shaking (tremors) behavior changes muscle cramping teeth clenching muscle relaxation  poor coordination problems moving reduced inhibitions heightened altered sense sight  sound taste poor judgment memory problems loss memory reduced consciousness increased decreased heart rate blood pressure  hallucinogens hallucinogens can produce signs symptoms  depending drug  common hallucinogens lysergic acid diethylamide (lsd) phencyclidine (pcp)  lsd may cause: lsd  hallucinations greatly reduced perception reality  example  interpreting input senses another  hearing colors impulsive behavior rapid shifts emotions permanent mental changes perception rapid heart rate high blood pressure tremors flashbacks  reexperience hallucinations — years later  pcp may cause: pcp  feeling being separated body surroundings hallucinations problems coordination movement aggressive  possibly violent behavior involuntary eye movements lack pain sensation increase blood pressure heart rate problems thinking memory problems speaking poor judgment intolerance loud noise seizures coma  inhalants signs symptoms inhalant vary  depending substance  commonly inhaled substances include glue  paint thinners  correction fluid  felt tip marker fluid  gasoline  cleaning fluids household aerosol products  due toxic nature substances  users may develop brain damage sudden death  signs symptoms can include:  possessing inhalant substance reasonable explanation brief happy excitement behaving drunk reduced ability keep impulses control aggressive behavior eagerness fight dizziness nausea vomiting involuntary eye movements influence drugs  slurred speech  slow movements poor coordination irregular heartbeats tremors lingering odor inhalant material rash nose mouth  opioid painkillers opioids narcotic  painkilling drugs produced opium made synthetically  class drugs includes  others  heroin  morphine  codeine  methadone  fentanyl oxycodone  called "opioid epidemic " addiction opioid prescription pain medicines reached alarming rate across united states  people who've using opioids long period time may need physician-prescribed temporary long-term drug substitution treatment  signs symptoms narcotic dependence can include:  sense feeling "high" reduced sense pain agitation  drowsiness sedation slurred speech problems attention memory pupils smaller usual lack awareness inattention surrounding people problems coordination depression confusion constipation runny nose nose sores (if snorting drugs) needle marks (if injecting drugs) 
drug addiction