 to light and sound
- Increased heartbeat and respiration
- Nausea and stomach upset
- Problems with nosebleeds and loss of sense of smell, if snorted
- Damage to the stomach or intestines from decreased blood flow
- Agitation or paranoia
The addictive substance in marijuana is called THC, a compound that, according to Live Science, affects thinking, coordination, memory, and pleasure responses in the brain, and can alter perceptions of time and physical senses. Marijuana can cause hallucinations and delusions, as well as create euphoria. Symptoms of marijuana addiction and use may include:
- Abnormal heartbeat (tachycardia)
- Problems with memory recall
- Motor impairment and delayed reactions
- Lowered IQ and problems with cognitive function, especially in young people
- Breathing problems related to smoking the drug
There is some evidence that prolonged use of marijuana can result in psychosis in some individuals.
Alcoholism is the condition of addiction to ethyl alcohol, or ethanol, a substance that is achieved through fermenting beverages from the sugars and starches in grains, fruits, and other plant materials. Alcohol is a sedative that can cause euphoria, a sense of deep relaxation, and slowed motor response.
According to Healthline, symptoms experienced by those who are struggling with alcoholism may include:
- Depressed motor function
- Inability to concentrate
- Heart or liver disease
- Sexual problems
- Depression or anxiety
- Slowed or suppressed breathing
Cigarette smoking is a well-known addictive behavior. The substance that makes smoking tobacco addictive is nicotine, a drug that acts as both a stimulant and a sedative, according to Psychology Today. Along with the familiar euphoria, nicotine can cause increased energy, while at the same time producing a sense of wellbeing. However, these feelings are very short-lived, which is what drives many people who are addicted to nicotine to smoke repeatedly throughout the day.
Symptoms that may indicate nicotine addiction include:
- Agitation or anxiety
- Depression or fatigue
- Chronic cough
- Stomach upset
- Heart and lung problems
Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable health issues and death in the US. However, addiction to nicotine makes it extremely challenging for the people who smoke to quit.
General Addiction Symptoms
The definitive guide on diagnosing substance use disorders and addiction is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual on Mental Disorders (DSM-5). No matter the substance, there are certain signs and symptoms that can indicate a person is dealing with addiction.
According to an article from the Verywell health information website, mild substance abuse is diagnosed if two or three of the following symptoms occur regarding the use. Four or five symptoms indicate a moderate disorder, and six or more can mean that the disorder is severe.
- Using more of the substance than intended, or using it for longer than intended
- Being unable to stop using the substance
- Focusing large amounts of time or effort on getting or using the substance, or recovering from its use
- Experiencing cravings to use the substance
- Being unable to keep up with daily responsibilities at work, school, or home because of use
- Having relationship problems with friends, family, or a partner because of substance use
- Stopping participation in activities that used to be enjoyed before substance use
- Using the substance in risky situations
- Continuing to use the substance even in the face of consequences
- Developing tolerance (a need to use higher or more frequent doses to get the same effect)
- Experiencing symptoms of withdrawal if substance use is stopped