In 2018, more than 20 million Americans aged 12 or above had experienced substance use disorder in the past 12 months.
It can be incredibly upsetting if you discover that someone you love is addicted to drugs or alcohol. The good news is that addiction is treatable. Discovering their addiction is the first step on the road to getting them help.
If you’re concerned that a loved one is abusing drugs or alcohol, there may be some tell-tale warning signs.
Read on as we take a look at six common signs of addiction.
1. Change in Appetite
Different substances have different effects. In almost all cases, the signs to look out for are a change in the person you are concerned about, but those changes will not be the same in each case.
For example, a change in appetite is a common sign of addiction. However, some substances tend to make people eat more than usual, whereas others can suppress appetite. The key is to look for a significant change in eating habits.
2. Change in Appearance
Eating more or less than usual will inevitably affect someone’s appearance in the long term, whether that be losing or gaining weight.
You should look out for other changes in appearance too. A common sign is if someone loses interest in their appearance and personal hygiene. They may look disheveled or haggard too, in part due to the next sign.
3. Change in Sleep Patterns
As with appetite, different substances will affect sleep in different ways. Some people who are experiencing a substance use disorder may sleep much more than usual, and others may sleep far less.
Once more, the key is to look out for a significant change from their normal sleep patterns.
4. Change in Mood
If someone becomes much more irritable than usual or becomes prone to angry outbursts that are out of character, then this may be a sign of addiction.
You may also notice other types of extreme mood such as being overly sad or happy, anxious or excited.
5. Change in Personality
As well as general mood, you may notice a change in personality.
They may seem to care less about the things that they used to care about, and care more about things that were never important to them before. You may also find that your loved one becomes more withdrawn and less sociable than they were before or that they are suddenly much more talkative.
6. Change in Smell
As well as visual signs, you may also be able to pick some up with your other senses.
If someone loses interest in their own personal hygiene, this will have an inevitable effect on their body odor. If you notice a significant change in the smell of your loved one, then this may be a sign of addiction.
Do You Recognize These Signs of Addiction?
If you recognize these signs of addiction in someone you know, then they may be struggling with an addiction.
If this is the case, we’re here to help. We offer a range of treatments including Medication Assisted Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Enhancement Therapy, Group Therapy, and Reality Therapy. We evaluate each person and recommend an appropriate level of care for your needs. We believe that, with effective treatment, the addiction can be arrested and recovery can occur.
Contact us today to learn more.
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