Symptoms

Whether dealing with alcohol or other drug addiction, the symptoms of disease are similar and medical consequences equally as serious.

If, after reviewing the symptoms of addiction below, you feel you or a loved one may be suffering from alcohol or drug dependency, please contact Nova Counseling Services today.

Common symptoms and medical consequences of alcohol and drug addiction include:

• Brain: Trouble focusing, loss of concentration, seizures, irreversible brain and nervous system damage, loss of coordination, loss of memory, hallucinations or distortions of vision and sound, confusion, stroke
• Heart: Irregular heartbeat, high/low blood pressure, heart attack, collapsed veins, infection of heart lining
• Liver and kidneys: Liver and kidney damage, risk of hepatitis, liver cancer, kidney cancer
• Lungs: Rapid breathing, lung failure, breathing troubles, slowed or quickened breathing, pneumonia, lung infection, lung cancer
• Other: High body temperature, weight loss, sleeplessness, tooth decay, hearing loss, nausea, convulsions, slurred speech, pancreas and stomach damage

In addition to the medical consequences of addiction, alcohol and drug abuse can also cause problems in an addict’s personal life when the disease “hijacks” the brain and causes abnormal behavior. From trouble with the law, to losing a job, to relationship problems, alcoholism and drug addiction ruins the lives of not only those suffering from the disease, but also deeply effects their closest friends, family or loved ones.

Common lifestyle signs that an individual may be suffering from alcohol or drug addiction include:

• Blacking out (not remembering events) after using alcohol or drugs
• Breaking promises
• Changes in personality, moods and emotions
• Consistently apologizing for mistakes related to alcohol or drug use
• Defending use of alcohol or drugs
• Failed promises or pledges to stop or limit use
• Lying to cover up alcohol or drug use
• Needing to use alcohol or drugs in order to complete a task
• Quick to become angry or otherwise emotional when alcohol or drug use is challenged
• Showing up late or not at all for important events or engagements
• Unpredictable behavior and loss of control
• Using alcohol or drugs alone
• Withdrawal from social activities

Do any of these symptoms sound familiar to you, whether in regard to your own behavior or that of a family member or friend? If so, contact Nova today – we can help you take the next step to recovery.