The first indication of drug abuse problems is behavioral changes. These include mood swings, fearfulness about new tasks coming up at school or work, irritability at even the slightest inconveniences, and so forth.
A person who has an addiction may start to act differently than usual. They will display evident signs that they are using drugs or alcohol as their coping mechanism for life’s challenges and stresses. These changes can look like mood swings, anxiety or depression, withdrawal from family and friends (or social media), unusual sleep patterns (either too much sleep or not enough). As a friend or family member, you must watch for these warning signs and help them with treatment before this deteriorating habit worsens.
They will not accept that their health, both physical and mental, is in shambles. In most cases, they will try escaping from spending time with people to avoid getting caught. Addiction is a problem. Unless there is proper help administered right away, it can become fatal. There are telltale signs that you can follow that can inform you about someone’s addiction problem. Here’s how to know if someone is struggling with addiction:
1. Change in physical appearance
People who are struggling with drug addiction start showing signs of physical deterioration. They may have bloodshot eyes, which may appear glazed and red at all times. Their teeth and nails also lose color while their hair starts looking matted and greasy. You may even see wounds on their body that look unusual and in different locations.
The most noticeable trait is their inexplicable weight loss. People who take drugs such as cocaine or heroin have a drastic decrease in weight that is unusual. If you notice these signs, we advise you to contact this facility to learn about various treatment plans and therapy. However, you can’t simply convince someone who is going through an addiction to go to rehab. You must ensure that the entire recovery process is gradual and tailored to their needs. That’s why approaching a credible facility should be your first option.
2. Change in behavior
People under the influence of drugs show an unusual amount of tolerance towards other drugs. Generally, people can take two Tylenol and feel better after a while. These people still show signs of agitation despite taking two. They may also sweat randomly, tremble, and even vomit. They have a drastic change in diet as well as being unable to digest much food.
If you ask them even slightly complex questions, they may have trouble responding. You might also notice their speech to be incoherent and slurred. They may even have severe problems with their memory.
3. Drastic emotional and mental changes
Indeed, we all face emotionally and mentally draining situations in life. We all have moments where we feel upset or even depressed. But after a while, we feel slightly better and get back to life. However, people who abuse substances don’t react the same way. They are in a constant slump. They are highly irritable and will snap at the slightest inconvenience.
In addition, they might exhibit signs and symptoms of depression as well as isolation from social groups. Most of them can’t even hold a conversation and have strong apathy towards others. People under the drug influence may also have no inhibitions. They may have morbid thoughts that are borderline suicidal. If you don’t get them help right away, there is a chance they may do something fatal.
4. Pay attention to changes in personality
People who have addiction problems have trouble focusing on any task. They don’t uphold any responsibility or commitment, whether it’s holding a job or maintaining a relationship. They might even lash out if you hold them accountable for their actions.
They also don’t understand the magnitude of consequences their actions may carry as long as they get their way. So, it is no surprise that they may engage in criminal activity or even lie to get you off their back. They also have no interest in keeping social appearances and won’t mind disrespecting people.
5. The environment around them
People who are addicted to different substances don’t care about the environment around them, including hygiene. They may not brush their hair, clean their nails, or care about their oral health. Their house or room will always appear as an obvious disaster. They don’t clean up after themselves and don’t even care about the piling mess.
If they have children or pets, they may get severely neglected. If you happen to stumble across their household, you will come across absolute havoc. Try removing their children and pets from harm’s way and get professional help as soon as possible.
What are the long-term consequences of addiction?
If you think addiction will subside on its own, think again. Addiction may start small but has harrowing long-term consequences. Therefore, if you know someone who is struggling with addiction, help them seek treatments. These people don’t understand the weight of their decisions and may continue giving in to their addiction. They may downplay your concern and try brushing off how you feel about them. Without proper care, the following may start showing in their lives:
- Infectious Diseases: People who abuse drugs may share needles. Sharing unsterilized equipment that penetrates the skin can cause HIV. There is also a chance they may come down with Hep C.
These diseases take a toll on their immune system, gradually wreaking havoc on their health.
- Increase in Criminal Activity: With a lack of inhibitions, these people may participate in criminal activities. They may also begin distributing drugs to get cash to keep up with their addiction.
- Complete Isolation: People who have addiction problems don’t enjoy the people around them. With a lack of support system, they may also slip into depression.
Wrap Up
Addiction is a grave problem. What starts as an experiment can become a significant life-long issue. Those who are addicted have no care for themselves or others. They exhibit behavior changes, as well as declining emotional and physical capacities. They may also pay no heed in being a functional member of society.
The level of neglect may be so severe that their physical health may start to crumble. In long-term scenarios, they may get incurable diseases, resort to crime and get completely isolated.