What are the signs of drug addiction?

This is not an easy question to answer because addiction affects different people differently. However, there are some commonalities which will be addressed.

If you drink alcohol, and that includes beer and wine, occasionally there is usually no issue with addiction. However, if you see yourself drinking more and more with increasing that consumption to daily then addiction may be developing. Do you need a drink when you wake up in the morning (commonly referred to as an eye opener)? Does anyone tell you that you are drinking too much? Do you feel guilty about your drinking? Is most of the time spent wondering how and when you will have another drink? Are you more irritable that you used to be? If you don't drink do your hands shake and feel better after you have a drink?

With illegal substances, which can include prescription medications (particularly pain killers); you can include the same questions as above except for the hand shaking. With some medications (such as prescription pain killers, heroin, and other opiates) you may suffer from physical withdrawal if you run out. Examples of this may include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps. With other substances (such as cocaine) you may not have any physical withdrawal, but may become increasingly lethargic and irritable.

The bottom line of any addiction: are you consumed by using the substance? Is your life getting out of control? Addiction affects life with your family, friends, your work, and your physical/mental well-being. Denial of having a "problem" is often a part of the addictive personality. "I drink because you make me." Addiction is a disease, your disease, and the sooner YOU get help the better off your life (and that of those who love you) will become.