It may be difficult to spot the signs of substance abuse in another, and sometimes even in yourself. If you’ve been trying to convince yourself that you have it under control and your substance use isn’t affecting your life, here are some things to consider:
- Did you keep taking a prescription drug after it’s no longer needed?
- Do you need increasing amounts of a substance to get the same effects, or do you need more to feel any effect at all?
- After the immediate effects of the substance wear off, do you feel shaky, depressed, nauseated, or have headaches?
- Have you lost your appetite?
- Do you find yourself more frequently confused than normal?
- Do you keep taking the drug even though you recognize that it’s having a negative effect on your life?
- Do you spend an inordinate amount of time thinking about how to get more? Have you lost interest in things you once enjoyed?
- Have you found yourself having trouble doing normal daily things, like cooking?
- Have you borrowed or stolen money to pay for drugs?
- Can you tell a difference in your appearance, like bloodshot eyes or lost weight?
- Have you gone to more than one doctor to get prescriptions for the same drug?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may have a substance abuse problem. It can happen to anyone and recognizing that you need help is the first step toward recovery. Ask for help. Reach out to friends or family, talk to your doctor, find an addiction specialist, or call a hotline. 1-800-662-HELP (4357), which is run by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is one option. You can also search for a treatment center online.
If you think that a friend or loved one may be struggling with addiction, here are some of the signs to watch for:
- Changes in personality, such as irritability
- Bloodshot eyes, bloody noses, or other changes in appearance
- Slurred speech or tremors
- Poor personal hygiene
- A sudden need to borrow money or financial problems
- Signs that they have stolen money or objects to finance their habit
- A new social group
- Loss of interest in activities or everyday life
If you do suspect substance abuse, make a plan for how to address it. Interventions aren’t always the best idea, especially if the person has a tendency to turn violent. Consider calling a professional, such as a doctor, counselor, or even a member of the clergy. Begin the search for a treatment facility best suited to your loved one’s needs. Most importantly, don’t forget to take care of yourself. It can be easy to focus on the substance abuser to the detriment of everything else.
If you think that you or a loved one have a substance abuse problem, Asana Recovery is here to help. We offer medical detox, along with both residential and outpatient programs, and you’ll be supervised by a highly trained staff of medical professionals, counselors, and therapists. Call us any time at (949) 438-4504 and let us guide you on your way to recovery.
