Addiction is when someone can not consistently abstain from a behavior or substance. While addiction typically refers to alcoholism or drug abuse, behavioral addictions like gambling or sex are also common and just as serious. Regardless of the type of addiction, it is vital to recognize the initial warning signs in their early stages and seek help before the problem aggravates into something more disastrous. With its tremendous effect on the human body, addiction can wreak havoc on a person’s physical, mental and emotional health. Consequently, it adversely affects all aspects of the victim’s life, including how they feel and behave, work-life, finances, relationships, and more.
Its wide range of dangerous consequences not only significantly impact the life of a person, but those around them too. If you are concerned about a friend who may be suffering from a substance abuse disorder, it is good to know some warning signs. The article will list some telltale signs observe that would help discern if your pal has an addiction problem.
Importance of Early Treatment
It is important to note that if you suspect your friend to be dependent on a particular substance, the best thing you can do for them is to find quality drug and alcohol addiction treatment. Instead of waiting for some to hit rock bottom before helping them, detecting the signs and symptoms of addiction and seeking treatment in its early stages is critical to ensure the best chances of successful recovery. Addiction treatment is provided in a range of settings including outpatient facilities and impatient full-service rehabs like White River Recovery center. Rehab centers offer a comprehensive treatment solution aimed at exclusive counseling and top-notch clinical care while. Some of these facilities are located in the world’s most beautiful places, allowing you to heal progressively in luxury surroundings and make a quick, lasting recovery.
Physical Signs
Addiction can take its toll on one’s physical health and alter their physical appearance. For someone dependent on drugs or alcohol, there are likely to exhibit several physical signs, some of which are as follows:
Bloodshot Eyes
While substance abuse can affect numerous parts of the body, one of the most noticeable physical symptoms of someone who suffers from an addiction is bloodshot eyes. Intoxication from drugs or alcohol causes the blood vessels in the eyes to expand and swell, giving a red or bloodshot look.
Sudden Changes in Weight
One of the common side effects of drug use is fluctuations in weight, though weight changes may vary depending upon the drug used. Substances like marijuana lead to an increased appetite causing a person to eat more than usual. Conversely, someone struggling with an addiction to stimulants like crystal meth or cocaine may shed weight quickly as the drugs suppress a person’s appetite.
Changes in Sleep Pattern
For many people, substance abuse can result in sleep disorders which include insomnia or hypersomnia. Taking drugs or alcohol leads to a chemical imbalance in the body that can impact our circadian rhythm– the biological clock regulating our sleep, wake cycle. Consequently, it disrupts a person’s sleep schedule causing them to fall asleep at odd times during the day or have trouble sleeping at night.
Change in Appearance
It is common for someone with addictive behaviors to neglect their physical appearance, including personal hygiene and grooming habits. Bathing, washing or ironing clothes, and brushing their hair are not the top priorities for someone who is often high or recovering from a hangover.
Withdrawal Symptoms
When someone stops using a substance they are addicted to for a while, they start craving it. During this time, a person may experience physical symptoms, including but not limited to seizures, sweats, anxiety, or insomnia.
Behavioral Signs
Behavioral changes are one of the most defining hallmarks of addiction. Regardless of the type of substance, addiction often causes significant alterations to how someone behaves. Some of the most noticeable behavioral signs of substance abuse include:
Social Withdrawal or Isolation
When someone is addicted to a substance, their number one priority is to satisfy their cravings. Consequently, everything and everyone gets pushed aside and takes a back seat as they begin to seek secrecy and solitude to hide their activities. They become withdrawn and lose social contact while giving up on hobbies and activities they enjoyed previously.
Neglecting Responsibilities
Someone under the influence of drugs or alcohol is likely to disregard their daily responsibilities. They may skip or regularly turn up late for work, ignore looking after pets or children, and take care of the household.
Having Stashes
To remain undetected, it is not uncommon for someone addicted to a substance to keep stashes of drugs hidden away in unlikely places like in the glove box of their car or under the mattress.
Risky Behaviors
It is not uncommon for a person under the influence of a substance to indulge in risky activities and do things they would not usually do. These include rash driving, resorting to violence, or even stealing.
Psychological Signs
Misusing a substance has a significant impact on our thoughts and feelings. Accordingly, someone who has an addiction is likely to behave in uncharacteristic ways. Changes in thought patterns, attitudes, and beliefs are some of the telltale psychological signs of substance abuse.
Obsession and Inability to Quit
In many instances, someone hooked on alcohol or drugs would have made at least one unsuccessful attempt to cut down or quit their dependence on the substance. However, fighting addiction requires tremendous will power as powerful cravings often cause relapse.
If you feel your friend has increased their consumption or is spending more time and energy getting their hands on it, it could indicate that they suffer from an addiction.
Unusual Mood Swings
Unpredictable or irrational mood swings are one of the most common symptoms of various types of addiction. Alcohol and drug abuse lead to changes in brain chemistry. That can cause unexplained or unprovoked mood swings. Someone warm and amiable can turn aggressive or abrasive within the blink of an eye. They may seem depressed and anxious one day and hyperactive and euphoric the other day without any reason.
Lack of Motivation
Someone struggling with a substance abuse disorder is likely to become apathetic and uninterested in accomplishing anything.
The Takeaway
Ignoring the signs of addiction can have severe repercussions. Left untreated, it can develop into a debilitating habit and enhance the risk of illness or even death.
If you identify the signs of substance abuse in your friend or perhaps anyone else, you must take immediate action. The best you can do to mitigate its detrimental impact and get their life back on track is to seek professional help for them as soon as possible.
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