There are many signs that an individual may have a drug or alcohol addiction. The symptoms can vary greatly. Below are clues to look for when you suspect that one of your friends or loved ones may be addicted to drugs. Be aware that exhibiting several of these symptoms does not always imply that there is a drug addiction present, but if one is suspected be supportive of the individual on their road to drug addiction recovery.

* Increase or decrease in appetite; changes in eating habits, unexplained weight loss or gain.
* Smell of a chemical substance on breath, body or clothes.
* Hyperactivity; excessive talking or sweating.
* Needle marks or bruises on lower arm, legs or bottom of feet.
* Change in overall attitude/personality with no other identifiable cause.
* Changes in social behavior: new friends who are drug users, new hang-outs, avoiding old friends
* Change in activities; loss of interest in things that were important before.
* Abrupt changes in work or school attendance, quality of work, work output, grades, discipline.
* Changes in habits at home; loss of interest in family and family activities.
* Difficulty in paying attention; forgetfulness.
* Lack of motivation, energy, self-esteem, discipline. Apathetic, "I don't care" attitude. * Withdrawal from responsibility. * Defensiveness, temper tantrums, resentful behavior (everything's a hassle).
* Unexplained moodiness, irritability, or nervousness.
* Unusual flare-ups, outbreaks of violent temper or bizarre behavior.
* Unexplained silliness or giddiness.
* Paranoia, unwarranted suspicion.
* Excessive need for privacy; keeps door locked or closed, won't let people in.
* Secretive behavior regarding actions and possessions; poorly concealed attempts to avoid attention and suspicion such as frequent trips to storage rooms, restroom, basement, etc. * Car accidents, fender benders, household accidents.
* Chronic dishonesty; trouble with police.
* Unusual borrowing of money from friends, co-workers or parents. Can't explain where money goes.
* Stealing money or small items from employer, home or school.
* Continual wearing of long-sleeved garments particularly in hot weather or reluctance to wear short sleeved attire when appropriate. * Deterioration of physical appearance and grooming.
* Possession of drug paraphernalia such as crack pipes, needles, bongs, small containers of unrecognizable materials, etc.
* Association with known substance abusers.
* Wearing of sunglasses at inappropriate times.