Those that are suffering from substance abuse may have a problem finding a way to try to recover from addiction. If you or a loved one is suffering from addiction, one of the biggest things that you may need to know are the signs of addiction. Addiction can come in various forms depending on the substance that you are addicted to. You can notice addiction through how one person reacts through their behavioral, physical, and psychological signs.
Behavioral Signs
Behavioral signs can be one of the signs that affect physical signs that can relate to the body’s side effects due to the amount of drugs in the system. Behavioral signs can include but are not limited to:
Obsessive Thoughts And Actions
By indulging in specific drugs, this substance will soon become your primary priority above everything including work, family, or friends. Due to stress levels that can induce those suffering drug addiction, this can cause obsessive thoughts and impulsive actions.
DISREGARD OF HARM CAUSED
Substance abuse has the ability to make one that is addicted to drugs become erratic, which might cause them to make decisions that could result in the harm of themselves or others.
LOSS OF CONTROL
Substance abuse can alter your mind to where you feel dependent on the substance of choice.
DENIAL OF ADDICTION OR HIDING DRUG USE
If you find yourself confronting a loved one struggling with addiction, they may often be in a sense of denial of their addiction. They may have hidden their addiction from those around them for an extended period of time.
Ultimately, drug abuse cannot stay hidden for too long. Due to the severity of the substance, the impact might almost be life altering and one can find themselves spiraling out of control very quickly. One may find themselves neglecting their responsibilities, altering their behavior, and engaging in illegal activities to get a chance to indulge in the substance. Those closest to people that are suffering from addiction such as family members and loved ones are usually the first to recognize the problem.
Physical Change
Physical change is bound to happen once one decides to engage with substance abuse. Since those that are suffering from addiction might partake in the substance until they overdose, it is important to know the signs of addiction and overdose symptoms as well.
General physical signs of addiction include but are not limited to:
- Enlarged or small pupils
- Sudden weight loss or gain
- Unusual body odors
- Poor physical coordination
- Looking unkempt
- Slurred speech
Typical signs of an overdose may include but are not limited to:
- Drowsiness or trouble walking
- Agitation
- Aggression or violent behavior
- Delusions
- Loss of consciousness
Psychological Signs
Once a person might find themselves addicted to a substance this can potentially alter their perception of themselves and others. Some of the signs that a person may experience may include the following:
- Anxiousness
- Inattentiveness
- Lack of motivation
- Sudden mood swings
- Unexplained paranoia
What Is The Withdrawal Process
Knowing the signs of someone experiencing withdrawal symptoms can be essential to longevity of someone’s lives, due to the fact that withdrawals can be potentially dangerous. Some of the signs can include the following:
- Shakiness, trembling, and jumpiness
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches and fever
- Confusion and hallucinations
- Seizures
Signs of Alcohol Abuse
While alcohol has been legal since 1933, it has become one of the most lethal substances to become addicted to. That is due to the fact that the accessibility to the substance exceeds to anyone above the age of 21. Moreover, it’s popularity has even caused those that are under the age of 21 to partake in this substance.
Alcohol abuse can often be referred to as alcoholism and is associated with major physical symptoms such as weight loss. As mentioned before this substance can alter one’s behavior. Some of the signs can include:
BLACKOUTS
During a drinking binge, one might find themselves not recalling the events that might have occurred before or after they indulge in drinking heavily.
LEGAL TROUBLE
DUI and drunk bar fights sometimes go hand in hand if someone decides to go on a drinking binge.
TROUBLING DRINKING PATTERNS
They may start to drink 24/7 at erratic times of the day and no matter the occasion.
PANIC REGARDING ACCESS
Someone who may have severe alcoholism may experience feeling anxious and start to become overly concerned that their access will be limited.
The highest priority for those that may be abusing alcohol is retrieving their alcohol at a particular situation or period of time.
Reach Out To Us
Asking for help can be difficult, but you are making the first step towards making a better life decision for yourself. Sometimes we can forget that in life struggles can be hard, but we can make them temporary as well. If you or someone you love may be struggling with addiction and you do not know how to help, the first step is to do your research. Changing your lifestyle is no small task and to ensure that you have the best experience possible, contact one of our representatives.
