Signs of Substance Abuse and Addiction: How to Get the Help You Need

Drug addiction is a disease that not only affects one’s physical health but also society as a whole. For families, it’s painful to see a loved one struggle with such a debilitating situation. It’s not always easy to see the early signs of addiction, but recognizing the problem is the first step towards sobriety.

The good news is that there is hope for all, even in the bleakest cases. These days, rehabilitation programs are tailored to the patient’s unique needs and condition. In this post, we’ll discuss how to spot symptoms of addiction, from the mild stages to its gripping effects. With the right intervention tools, you can help a loved one win his battle against drugs and substance abuse.

Knowing the Proper Terms: Drug Abuse, Addiction, and Substance Use Disorders

The term “drug addiction” refers to the state of full dependency on one or several types of drugs. The patient cannot stop using it without help. This addiction could either be psychological or physical. In severe cases, it can be both.

Drug abuse does not necessarily mean that the patient is hooked on the substance. However, it is still problematic because most cases lead to addiction. Abusing substances can also end up in alarming health emergencies.

Nowadays, professionals would instead use the term “substance use disorders” for these behavioral conditions. Substance use disorders are categorized as being mild, moderate, or severe. For mild and moderate cases, the patient is not yet entirely dependent on the drugs. Severe cases mean the person is already showing signs of addiction.

Signs of Drug Addiction

The symptoms of addiction manifest in different ways. They depend on the person, the severity of his dependency, and the type of drugs being taken. Also, most people hide their struggle with substances until it causes an explosion of problems. These may include violent fights with family members, failing at work or school, financial and legal issues, and physical illnesses. There are many drugs that individuals use and abuse, both legal and illegal. Many resort to meth or heroin, while others become addicted to prescription medication such as Xanax or even resort to snorting Adderall.

If you fear that someone close to you is having problems with illicit drugs, observe for the following symptoms:

• Change in habits, routine, behavior, and personality
• Difficulty doing everyday activities, such as cooking, cleaning, or working
• Incurring huge amount of debts
• Getting arrested for theft, burglary, or other crimes
• Violent fights with co-workers, friends, and family members
• Sleep changes
• Physical changes: bloodshot eyes, bad breath, tremors, weight gain or loss
• Lack of personal hygiene
• Hanging out with a new set of friends

Treating Drug Addiction

Continued misuse of drugs leads to serious health consequences that could be irreversible. It could also be fatal. As such, early intervention is crucial. If you think you or someone you know has a problem with substances, reach out to a drug rehabilitation facility immediately.

Once you detect the signs of addiction, the next steps are diagnosis and treatment. There are different types of rehabilitation programs, ranging from in-house facilities to outpatient counseling. Patients who commit to a long-term treatment plan have a good prognosis. With the right mindset and a strong support system, drug addiction can be overcome.