Over 74% of adults in the USA have struggled with a substance disorder.
Addiction to any substance is a
serious health concern. Drug addiction can sometimes be challenging to detect
in a loved one as it may be easier to hide some of the clues that there is an
issue. If you suspect that someone close to you is suffering from addiction to
medication or other substances, you need to know how to look out for the signs
of drug addiction.
Follow this short guide and know
what to look for and when you need to intervene to help save your loved one's
life.
1.
Continued Use of Medication
Usually, most prescriptions from a
doctor will have a time limit. For medications for long-term conditions, a
patient will still need to keep seeing a doctor regularly to check the drugs
are working and not having any adverse side effects, like an addiction.
If somebody keeps using drugs long
after being prescribed and starts procuring them from non-medical sources, they
may have a drug addiction.
2.
Side Effects As A Drug Wears Off
Side effects can be a part of taking
medication, but they are usually visible when the drug has been taken. If you
or someone you know is experiencing a withdrawal side effect when coming off a
drug, they may have a problem. Withdrawal effects can include feeling shaky or
tired, irritability, an increased desire to take more, increased hunger,
depression, severe headaches or a stomach upset.
To relieve these symptoms, the
person may want to take more and more of the medication. In which case, they
need to stop and seek help as soon as possible. Outpatient rehab, such as you
would find at this location,
will be able to advise on how to break out of the withdrawal cycle.
3.
Drug Paraphernalia
If you visit a friend or family
members home and there are constant signs of drug use lying about the
house, it may be time to confront them about their drug use. Paraphernalia of
severe and dangerous drug use could include needles, cotton swabs, razor
blades, burnt spoon or bottle caps, cutting surfaces in strange places and cut
up straws or rolled banknotes.
These items suggest continued use of serious class A drugs like heroin or cocaine and could require the user to go to rehab for a period of recovery. Speak with them when it feels safe to do so, and you are sure they are not under the influence. palm beach county detox
4.
Physical Appearance
Those under the influence of a
constant high may not feel they have time to maintain their outward appearance.
They may appear scruffy, smelly or dishevelled. They may also have bloodshot
eyes from the drug use or signs of needle injections on their arms and legs.
Someone in this state needs help,
and you should help them seek drug addiction treatment.
5.
Mood Swings
Drugs and medication can drastically
affect your mood, so if you notice rapid changes in someone's mood daily, you
may want to talk to them and see if they need help. If they also demonstrate
other signs of drug addiction, it may be time to seek inpatient therapy or
counselling.
Look
Out For These Common Signs Of Drug Addiction
The signs of drug addiction can
sometimes be subtle and easy to miss, but it may be time to intervene if you
suspect that someone you care about is taking too much of a substance. Do so
only when it is safe for you both and never approach someone on their own. You
reaching out to help with the first step may be all they need to start
recovery.
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