Please read my disclosure policy to understand how I work with companies and individuals. Linking to a specific site does not imply endorsement of all of their services or content.
Drug addiction is the urge to continue using a substance despite the dangerous consequences. The signs and symptoms of drugs may vary depending on the type of substance a person is using. However, few indicators may show a person is suffering from addiction. Therefore, do not rush to conclusions before getting enough evidence of drugs or substance use.
How To Tell If Your Loved One is Using Drugs or Alcohol
Loss of Interest
The use of drugs and alcohol takes up most of the user’s time. Some abandon their friendships, families, or hobbies and fuel the energy for drugs. As addiction advances, some people lock themselves even in their rooms to take drugs.
Change in Weight
Most addicts lose weight due to the effects of drugs and substances on the body. Others choose drugs over healthy meals, which leads to weight loss. Also, drugs affect one’s appetite, which may cause reduced weight. However, if a person isn’t sick and there are no other reasons for sudden weight loss, it may be the effects of drugs.
Changes in Sleep Patterns
Drug abuse alters the sleeping habits of the user. Stimulants affect the hormones responsible for wakefulness, making a person oversleep or stay awake for long hours. If you notice changes in sleep patterns, it is likely a person has a growing chemical dependence.
Mood Swings
Most drugs affect one’s ability to manage emotions. It may appear strange when one becomes upset for no reason or gets angry more quickly than he is used to be. If a calm person gets hyper and extremely upset, it could be if they are on drugs.
Not Concerned with Personal Hygiene
Most addicts look unkept, and they don’t care about bathing, brushing their teeth, or dressing nicely. It is easy to notice when people change. They may try to deny or cover up, but eventually, you will catch them using abusing alcohol or drugs.
Isolation
Alternatively, a person can isolate himself from friends or family to hide their habits. Depression, anxiety, or stigma are the leading causes of isolation. If you notice a cheerful person separated from those close to them, consult http://oceansrecovery.com/.
Withdrawal Symptoms
These symptoms occur if an addict decides to stop the drugs abruptly or reduce intake. The symptoms are headaches, nausea, vomiting, seizures, hallucinations, and excessive sweating. These symptoms may be fatal, and it’s, therefore, essential to seek medical care immediately.
Poor Judgement
Addiction can lead to stealing, lying, and prostitution, or engaging in any other type of crime to earn money. These habits may land one in jail or cause harm or death. If your loved one starts stealing money in the house or spending money that they can’t account for, they are likely on drugs.
Neglect Responsibilities
Most addicts choose drugs and substances over businesses and other jobs. This leads to neglecting family and personal responsibilities such as paying bills and other necessities. In addition, a person may abscond from duties for different reasons, such as stress. So, seek answers about why the person has changed attitude, and if they lack a proper explanation, it may be the effects of substance use.
Unhealthy Friendships
Addicts tend to like companies of fellow drug users. In most cases, they hang out in isolated and dark streets. However, if a person starts developing friendships with strange-looking people, they are likely to go into substance use.
If you suspect drug use, talk to the user. It may be hard to learn the truth, since most deny it and may not be ready to stop. Acceptance is the first step toward healing. Seek medical care in rehab for addiction treatment programs. You can choose an outpatient or inpatient program according to your budget.
