Drug addiction is an insidious disease that takes over a person's life and clouds their world in a fog of problems and struggles. The signs of drug addiction are many and varied depending on what type of drug is being abused.

Different drugs affect people in different ways. For example, marijuana may make a person appear spaced out and distant while amphetamines will cause a person to appear hyper and upbeat. Some people are more prone to addiction as some drugs are more likely to bring about an addiction than others.

If you have been using drugs and are concerned that you may have an addiction, look for the following signs:

• An increase or decrease in appetite, changes in eating habits, or a sudden weight loss
• Changes in personality with no other identifiable cause
• Loss of interest in activities you used to find enjoyable
• Difficulty in paying attention or forgetfulness
• Lack of motivation and energy
• Fitful sleep
• Paranoia
• Trouble with managing money
• Inability to stop using your drug of choice
• Excessive pre-occupation with your drug supply
• Doing things you normally wouldn't do if not on the drug
• Use of drugs despite health problems or warnings
• Change in personal grooming habits like showering and changing clothes

The signs of drug addiction in others are similar to those listed above. You can also look for the following indicators as well:

• Smell of substance on clothes (e.g. marijuana, chemicals)
• Sudden need for privacy
• Violent temper or bizarre behavior
• Secretive or suspicious behavior
• Defensiveness or excessive laziness
• Unusual effort to cover up legs and arms
• Unexplained silliness or giddiness
• Drop in school or work performance
• Changes in friends
• Extreme hyperactivity or excessive talktativeness

If you notice any of these signs, a drug addiction could very well be present. It's important that these signs are not ignored and that help is sought for either you or a loved one. The longer a drug addiction lasts, the more damage it can do to the mind and body, so getting help for the addiction is the best course of action.

It's certainly easier to simply ignore any possibility that a drug addiction exists, but when you see the signs, it should become clear that there is a problem. Once the problem is identified, it can effectively be tackled and overcome – with the right treatment. Look for the signs of drug addiction and then face the problem. It's the only way you can win the fight!