When it comes to illicit drugs, the longer you do them, the more severe and long-lasting your symptoms will be. That’s why it’s important to kick addiction as soon as possible. So, what are the signs of long-term drug abuse? Read on to find out.

What are the Signs of Addiction?

Let’s start by identifying the symptoms of addiction. That way, you can spot them early on, before it’s too late. They include the following:

Increased Tolerance: Increased tolerance is one of the first signs of addiction. People begin getting used to the dose they are taking so they need more to get the same effects. 

Withdrawal Symptoms: Withdrawal symptoms come next. The body is so used to having the drug in its system that it can’t function without it. It begins to react with a variety of mental and physical symptoms. People know the only way to get rid of these symptoms short-term is to do more of the drug. This sets them in a vicious cycle. 

Here are some other addiction symptoms that may occur:

• Mood swings
• Spending more time using and doing the drug
• Physical symptoms specific to the drug
• Withdrawal from society
• Hanging out with different social groups
• Lack of interest in the things and activities you once loved

What are the Symptoms of Drug Abuse?

If you begin giving in to your cravings and taking more drugs, you will be guilty of drug abuse. This involves taking illicit drugs or taking prescription drugs at higher doses than recommended. 

What are the Symptoms of Long-Term Drug Abuse?

If you don’t address addiction early on, you may see long-term drug abuse symptoms starting to set in. These include the following:

• Changes in behavior
• Changes in physical appearance
• Being chronically late
• Shirking on responsibilities
• Lacking energy
• Dishonest behavior
• Dangerous behavior
• Legal issues
• Financial issues

You may also begin to develop health conditions like:

• Gastrointestinal conditions, which are associated with cocaine and opioids, and other drugs that cause nausea and vomiting. You may develop symptoms such as abdominal pain, acid reflux, and constipation. 
• Neurological effects due to seizures, stroke, and toxic effects on brain cells. These are usually linked to cocaine, heroin, ayahuasca, ketamine, and salvia. 
• Mental health issues that are due to taking drugs like cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, inhalants, LSD, and ketamine-producing changes in the brain. Symptoms include paranoia, depression, anxiety, hallucinations, aggression, and more. 
• Hepatitis and HIV are diseases that can be caught through sharing needles and risky sex. They are often the result of the long-term use of methamphetamine, opioids, steroids, heroin, and cocaine.
• Musculoskeletal disorders, which come about due to steroid use during adolescence. It can cause bones to stop growing, resulting in short stature, muscle cramping, and muscle weakness. 
• Respiratory conditions which are caused by drugs that are inhaled, including cocaine, marijuana, and inhalants. Opioids can also slow breathing, block airflow and increase asthma symptoms. 
• Kidney damage that can occur due to dehydration, muscle breakdown, and dangerous increases in body temperature are associated with the use of heroin, steroids, inhalants, ketamine, and synthetic cannabinoids. 

How to Find Comprehensive Addiction Programs

The best way to keep symptoms of long-term drug abuse at bay is to kick the habit sooner rather than later. It’s essential to find a recovery program before things get out of hand. 

Finding the rehab facility that’s right for you is not easy. You must consider the atmosphere, the staff-to-client ratio, the type of treatment offered, and more. You can spend hours determining the one that’s best suited to your needs, or you can save yourself time by contacting Prevail Recovery first. 

Prevail Recovery is an outpatient rehab facility in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. We offer treatments that allow patients to recover while going about their daily life activities. We take a customized, dual diagnosis approach that ensures long-term sobriety. 
If you are seeing the signs of long-term drug abuse start to appear, it’s never too late to get help. Contact Prevail Recovery today. We will help you move on to a higher quality of life with comprehensive outpatient treatment programs in Florida.