Signs and Symptoms Page 3

Signs found outside the hospital (all health care professionals)

1. Unusual changes in behavior (wide mood swings with depression, anger and
irritability, alternating with euphoria)
2. Loneliness and isolation; addicts quickly withdraw from family, friends and leisure
activity
3. Denial is the primary symptom of addiction. When confronted by a spouse, the
addict may become defensive and vehemently reject accusations. They usually are
very successful at being manipulative when confronted one-on-one.
4. Increase in domestic problems, fights, and arguments
5. Those addicted to hospital drugs spend increasing amount of time at hospital.
Alcoholics exhibit frequent absenteeism
6. Unexplained overspending, extramarital affairs, legal or work problems (especially
DUI)
7. Decreased sexual drive
8. Pills, syringes and alcohol bottles found around the house
9. Bloody swabs or tissues
10. Locking self in bathroom
11. Frequent smell of alcohol on breath (Alcohol alleviates withdrawal symptoms in
narcotic addiction as well as most other anesthetic drugs)
12. Pinpoint pupils
13. Withdrawal signs and symptoms (especially sweating and tremors)
14. Deterioration in personal appearance and physical health, especially weight loss
15. Frequent accidents
16. Numerous health complaints, with tendency for self-medication
17. Undetected addicts are found comatose or dead.