ADDICTION DEFINITION: the compulsive need for a substance, marked by acute physiological symptoms upon the source’s withdrawal NOTE: Though people can be addicted to any number of things, for clarity, this entry has been limited to cues associated with substance addictions. PHYSICAL SIGNALS: Poor hygiene (yellowing teeth, chipped nails) Sallow skin Bloodshot, glassy, dull, or red eyes Dilated or contracted pupils Impaired coordination Manic activity Sudden weight loss or gain Suspicious odors on the breath, clothing, or skin Tremors Slurred speech Not showing up to appointments or social engagements Financial difficulties (not making rent, having a car repossessed) Asking others for money Stealing Neglecting responsibilities at work or school Broken relationships Leaving old friends and clinging to new groups of people Difficulty keeping a job Evasive speech A spaced-out appearance Spending unusually long periods of time asleep or awake Decreased eye contact Delinquent or criminal activity Driving under the influence Manipulating others to get what one wants A life categorized by high drama INTERNAL SENSATIONS: Feeling hyper or jumpy Lethargy or fatigue Impaired vision Dry mouth Twitchy nerves and muscles Increased sensitivity to sound, texture, taste, and smells MENTAL RESPONSES: Fixating on the source Counting the minutes until the next hit A sense of euphoria upon using A need to use more to get the same experience a lesser amount used to provide A lack of motivation Mood swings or aggression Memory loss Impaired judgment An inability to account for large chunks of time Guilt or regret Self pity and self loathing Suicidal thoughts CUES OF SUPPRESSED ADDICTION: Denial Making excuses for absences or tardiness Lying Misdirection; blaming others and deploying guilt tactics with loved ones Hiding track marks by wearing long sleeves Using eye drops, mints, or mouthwash to mask odors and telltale signs Demanding more privacy (locking doors, withdrawing from others) Evasive behavior (sneaking out, hiding substances around the house) WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS: Tremors in the extremities A racing heart or heart palpitations Shortness of breath Nausea and vomiting Hallucinations or paranoia Anxiety Extreme sweating Poor concentration Restlessness Headaches Sleeplessness Irritability or depression Seizures WRITER’S TIP:When writing about a situation that is outside of one’s experience, consult the experts. Textbooks, professionals in the field, or friends with personal knowledge can provide the details needed to write credibly about the event.