Identifying addiction and intervening early on can be essential to long-term success. The longer someone uses a substance, the more difficult withdrawal will be, and in some cases, more of the drug will be necessary to achieve a high. While certain substances have specific indicators of addiction, some signs are the same across the board. By knowing these signs, the drug user or their family members may be able to identify a problem before it becomes too severe.
Recognizing addiction in others can be difficult, particularly in cases where it might be mistaken for regular moodiness (such as in teenagers) or health problems. In adolescents, signs of drug use can include acting withdrawn, tired, or hostile. Sudden changes in eating or sleeping habits, missing school, and a new group of friends can also be warning signs. One key indicator for any age group is money – if someone is frequently asking for money, or if you notice that money or items have gone missing from the home. Lack of interest and motivation are also warning signs, such as someone suddenly neglecting their health or appearance or missing work.
Signs that someone is currently intoxicated can vary according to the substance used. Marijuana use manifests as red eyes, decreased coordination, difficulty concentrating, and food cravings. Bath salts can cause extreme anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations. Barbiturates and benzodiazepines can cause drowsiness, slurred speech, and dizziness. Meth and cocaine can cause an overabundance of confidence and energy, aggression, and insomnia.
As a drug user, knowing when to seek help can be a matter of overcoming denial. Some indications that you personally may have a problem with addiction include intense urges for a drug, needing to take more to achieve the same effect, spending too much money or stealing in order to afford it, and failing to meet work or family obligations because of drug use. If you are unable to stop using a drug or are experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you attempt to stop, this is a clear sign of addiction. Recognizing unsafe or unsavory behaviors, such as unprotected sex, needle sharing, and stealing, can also serve as a wake-up call.
A primary care doctor can direct patients to specialists and mental health professionals as needed, or there are hotlines available for those who need help. For example, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, offers a free 24-hour hotline (1-800-662-HELP) that provides information and referrals to treatment facilities and counselors. For more urgent help, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK) connects callers with drug counselors at crisis centers around the country.
Twelve-step and other support groups are helpful both for overcoming addiction and staying clean for life. These groups vary from religious to secular, and drug-specific to welcoming those with any addiction. Narcotics Anonymous, for example, provides support for people attempting to recover from drugs other than alcohol. While not based in any specific religion, the meetings do tend to reference spirituality and a higher power. The Secular Organizations for Sobriety, on the other hand, help with everything from alcohol to food addiction and do not incorporate religion or spirituality into their programs.
If you have been suffering from an addiction or have a loved one that is afflicted with this disease, please reach out for help from a qualified rehabilitation center. Asana Recovery is a unique and innovative detox and residential recovery with a dedicated and caring team that is here to help you achieve long-lasting recovery so that you can get back to the things that matter the most in your life. Call us 949-438-4505 to speak with one of our compassionate admissions counselors today to begin the journey towards recovery.
