21 Clear Signs of Drug Addiction You Shouldnt Ignore

Your healthcare provider should review your treatment plan regularly. This may mean you try a different type of therapy or a new medication. A provider can help you make adjustments throughout your life as needed. A provider will also ask about your mental health history, as it’s common to have an SUD and a mental health condition.

About Misuse of Opioids

• Because of the ups and downs involved with drug abuse, you may notice that this person is showing more depressive side effects, especially when they’re coming down from a high.
• It’s crucial to note that untreated emotional instability or irritability caused by drug use can lead to self-harm or harm towards others.

It is not uncommon for someone who is coming off a meth binge to sleep for days on end. As drugs become the primary focus of someone’s life, they often spend more and more time using and obtaining drugs. You may notice that their school work or participation in school starts to decrease. They may stop caring about their grades and choose to neglect the work they need to do to improve academic performance. When someone is sliding into addiction, they tend to hang out with people who also use their drug of choice, or use any kind of substance for that matter.

Expressing Concern and Offering Support

• Approaching a loved one about their drug use can be challenging, but it is a crucial step towards helping them find the support they need.
• Fortunately forconcerned family members and friends, many characteristics of addiction are easy to identify, and many types of drug addictions share similar signs and symptoms.
• Individuals may exhibit increased tolerance and intense cravings, which lead to a loss of control over their actions.
• They may struggle to meet deadlines, miss important assignments, or receive poor evaluations.
• A person has developed tolerance when he or she needs to use more and more of a substance to achieve the same effect.

They often let drug use get in the way of their relationships with friends, family members, and romantic partners. Some drugs may cause impaired memory, inability to focus, or loss of time due to blackouts. The fact that drug use can often become a top priority may also cause them to lose interest in any other responsibilities. They may forget about plans or things they were supposed to do. If your loved one is experiencing withdrawal or overdose symptoms, there is a good chance that they may be struggling with addiction. Seeking medical attention is critical in these situations, even if you are unsure of what they’ve taken or if they’re even using drugs.

What Is Substance Use Disorder? Symptoms and How to Get Help

Encourage them by helping them explore other treatment methods and ways to get sober. Many people live what appears to be a normal life while struggling behind the scenes. Opioids are narcotic, painkilling drugs produced from opium or made synthetically.

• If they suddenly have new friends and seem tight-lipped about them, it could be a sign that they are in an environment that isn’t healthy.
• If your health care provider prescribes a drug with the potential for addiction, use care when taking the drug and follow instructions.
• Sometimes called the “opioid epidemic,” addiction to opioid prescription pain medicines has reached an alarming rate across the United States.
• It’s okay to reach out for support, whether through groups, counseling, or trusted individuals in your life.

The role of recreational activities in addiction recovery

When unusual body odors persist – especially alongside other physical symptoms – it may be time to seek professional help 2. Neglected hygiene, often linked to substance use, can further highlight its physical toll. Drug use doesn’t just affect sleep – it can also lead to noticeable changes in physical health, such as shifts in weight or appetite. If you’re struggling with substance abuse or are concerned about Drug rehabilitation a close friend or family member, why not talk to someone in confidence about your concerns? The Mental Health Hotline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can answer your questions in confidence.

Substance use often leads to conflicts with family and friends due to behavioral changes or neglect of family obligations. Financial issues frequently arise, as individuals may borrow money or sell belongings to support their dependency. If your drug use is out of control or causing problems, get help. The sooner you seek help, the greater your chances for a long-term recovery.

Recovery Begins Here

Abusing drugs often results in changes in physical appearance and behavior. Recognizing these signs is a critical first step toward addressing addiction and seeking professional help. Malnutrition, often caused by reduced appetite or digestive problems, can add to muscle weakness and fatigue 3. Withdrawal symptoms can make things worse, leading to muscle cramps and severe weakness. Ignoring these signs may point to deeper health problems that need urgent attention.

Encourage your loved one to seek professional help and treatment to address the root cause of their emotional distress. While these physical signs can be indicative of drug use, it’s important to approach the situation with care and avoid making assumptions. Physical signs alone may not provide a definitive diagnosis, as other factors could contribute to these changes.

Maybe their story keeps changing, and they can never seem to be honest about what they’ve been up to. They may try to sneak in or out of the house, try to hide their drugs Drug rehabilitation in their room or car, and they may spend more time alone in their room with the door locked. They may also choose to spend more time than usual away from home to hide their use. Some drugs will suppress appetite while others may cause rapid weight gain.