Sometimes, families can arrange interventions that are effective and help their loved ones, but they also need to know how to identify the signs of addiction before it gets out of hand. If you’ve never been around a person who is suffering from addiction, it isn’t always easy to spot the signs for yourself.
Below is a list of a few of the most common signs that are red flags when it comes to substance abuse.
Irregular Behavior Patterns
When you know someone, you know when something is wrong. Their behavior and schedule suddenly change, and they go out late at night with no specific destination. Spotting changes in behavior is usually the first step in evaluating if something isn’t right, whether it’s an addiction or something else.
Inability to Think Clearly
Often forgetting something that just happened or taking longer than usual to come back with a response are both signs that their head is in a fog, either due to drug use or alcoholism. It’s imperative not to brush this off as them just being tired, at least when this becomes a consistent issue. Don’t makeup excuses for their behavior, and see if it worsens or persists.
Vivid Emotions
This usually manifests itself in the form of unchecked aggression or rage. When you ask them where they’re headed so late at night, they may get immediately agitated and defensive. Nobody is proud to be addicted to drugs, which is why they sneak out at night and deny everything. Being accused, even silently, can immediately set them off to a level of explosive anger, and the impact of the drug in their system is directly to blame.
Isolation
Addicts have a lot going on mentally that someone who has never used drugs simply doesn’t understand. They become lost in themselves knowing that those around them will disapprove. They isolate themselves away from everyone else and become difficult to find or reach.
Making the choice to hold an intervention or hire an interventionist isn’t easy. Those staging an intervention usually feel as though they are betraying their loved one or cornering them in some way. The reality is that this is an indicator of it being time to start an intervention. When the fear of losing them in any manner becomes so great, that in itself is telling you something.
At Asana Recovery, we understand how difficult recovering from these addictions through our daily work to help those struggling most from this disease. While some may believe they can make it alone, rehabilitation programs are essential in the fight to break the dependency. The road ahead is not a smooth or easy one, but you can traverse it if done so with the support of the right team. Counseling and aftercare processes can assist you by addressing the psychological facets that led you to addiction and help you build a structure from which to better cope with life without succumbing to addiction.
The supervised detoxification and residential treatment programs at Asana Recovery are offered in a supportive, relaxing, and inspiring environment. We’re deeply committed to ensuring your long-term recovery and guiding you on your path to a healthier and happier future. There is no better time than now, and we’re always available to speak with you. Call us at (949) 438-4504 to learn more about our comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment program today.
