5 Signs of Drug Abuse and Addiction
It’s not always clear if someone you love is addicted to drugs, especially when you want more than anything for it not to be true. If you are using yourself, it may be even more difficult to be objective. But there are very definite signs and symptoms of drug abuse and addiction. Check out the list below and if these apply to you or your loved one, it is important that drug addiction treatment is sought immediately.
Health and behavior deteriorates. People who are caught up in drug addiction rarely take care of themselves physically. They are often sick and, because they don’t feel well, they are also irritable, angry and anxious. Severe depression often sets in and moods fluctuate violently based on whether or not the person is high or coming down. In general, those who are addicted to drugs and alcohol find it difficult to concentrate on anything, are listless and non-communicative, and often fall ill.
Financial problems. It’s hard to keep track of your money when you’re addicted to drugs and alcohol, and habits are expensive. A drug addict rarely has money, because their addiction comes first. Bills don’t get paid, credit cards get maxed out, and many are driven to stealing—first from family and friends and then eventually petty theft crimes—in order to pay for their habit.
Losing jobs or failing out of school. Just like drug addicts and alcoholics rarely pay their bills or make it to doctor’s appointments, they also find it difficult to make it to school and work on time. Most will use drugs at work or school before they start missing days due to drug use. Soon, they’ll stop going completely, get kicked out or fired.
Changes in relationships. It’s difficult for an addict or alcoholic to hang out with people who aren’t using, so relationships with sober or “normal” friends and family members may drop off as addiction increases. New friends whose lives revolve around drugs and alcohol may come into the picture and addicts and alcoholics may become secretive about their drug abuse.
Changes in social life. Rather than going out, drug addicts and alcoholics tend to only go to functions where alcohol and drugs will be. If it’s a sober venue, an addict or alcoholic usually won’t show or else will smuggle in some substances. A great deal of time will be spent alone, as well, either recovering from a stint of using or just being high.
Just to make it more confusing, there is such a thing as a “functional” addict, or someone who can maintain a job, pay their bills and still make it to social functions and still be an alcoholic or addict. It’s rare, but it can happen and it’s just as serious, if not more so, than an addict who is so obviously in trouble. Too many times, the person doesn’t go for help and people don’t figure out that he or she needs treatment until it’s too late.
If you suspect that someone you love is an addict or alcoholic and would like to set up an intervention, you can call The Canyon. We have professional interventionists available to guide you through the process.
How did you know that you or your loved one was an addict?
Tags: Drug Addiction, drug-abuse, drug-addiction-symptoms
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