Drug Abuse and Addiction
One of the best things you can do to help a loved one suffering with addiction is to educate yourself. Learning the signs and symptoms of addiction allows you to have a better understanding of the problem and the best ways to deal with it. Addiction begins for each person differently and people experiment with addiction for a variety of reasons. The risk of addiction and how quickly an individual becomes addicted varies. The user may begin to require larger doses of the drug to achieve a high or may become dependent on the drug just to feel normal. If the user attempts to stop using the drug withdrawal symptoms are likely to set in. Below is a list of possible warning signs of drug abuse that you can watch for.
Behavioral warning signs of drug abuse:
- Frequent legal troubles
- Unexplained need for money or financial problems
- Lack of attendance and performance at work or school
- Sudden change in hobbies and interests
- Financial problems and unexplained need for money
Physical warning signs of drug abuse:
- Tremors, slurred speech, or impaired coordination
- Sudden weight loss or weight gain
- Changes in sleep patterns or appetite
- Bloodshot eyes, or smaller than usual pupils
- Tremors, slurred speech, or impaired coordination
- Unusual smells on clothing, breath or body
Physiological warning signs of drug abuse:
- Mood swings
- Periods of anxiousness, paranoia, or fearfulness for no reason
- Unexplained change in personality or attitude
- Periods of unusual hyperactivity or agitation
If you are concerned that a loved one is suffering with drug abuse, please seek help immediately. It is important to find your loved one the help that they need as soon as you begin to see signs of drug abuse. The sooner that they are able to get help, the sooner they can be on the road to recovery.
