An addict is someone who impulsively submits to a continuous cycle of actions, not necessarily bad, but over taking.
Whether it be planting, cleaning, smoking, drinking, videogames, or taking a prescription on schedule for an amount of time, the symptoms of addiction don't seem so serious.
In extreme cases one will lie and sugarcoat what is actually going on. They will become in some cases obsessed with fulfilling their needs, doing anything in their power (not authority) to receive what they yearn for.
You might notice changes in personality, (sheltering, isolation, openness, depression, happiness etc.) it is hard to tell if something is going on or if the person is feeling actual genuine emotions. Drugs and other addictions may bring on a state of euphoria or may affect the person negatively, where they feel they are in charge. Once they reach this almost authoritative state over the people around them, they can manipulate you into satisfying their demands.
Most people don't reach this state but it is quite possible without help that they will change, and not in a good way. A common ground for addicts is just making due with what they have, most likely prescription opioids and or narcotics that are accessible and fairly easy to maintain, after some type of injury.
The symptoms of addiction aren't always noticable.
