The substance abuse rate in Colorado, including Thornton, is surprisingly high. Consequently, drug rehab centers in this state are more necessary than ever.
The leading symptom of substance abuse is the inability of individuals to stop using drugs. People with such a problem face extreme difficulties in regaining control, which is why they need professional help.
Recognizing the symptoms in a person struggling with substance abuse can do wonders for their health condition. There is a variety of signs to look for in individuals suspected of abusing drugs, which are listed below.
By noticing them, you might help a person overcome such addiction.
Small physical symptoms
An unmistakable telltale sign that individuals need to overcome drug addiction is the alterations you notice in their physical appearance. For instance, bloodshot eyes and dilated pupils are indicators of drug abuse. This article elaborates on the most common twenty causes of eye redness. The skin complexation and texture of addicts change as well by becoming abnormally puffy and acquiring a washed-out color.
Many forms of substance abuse are accompanied by small changes in behavior, which may be described as tics. Some of the signs indicating a hidden condition include slurred speech, frequent sniffing, continuous itching in a specific body area, pulling the sleeves down impulsively, etc. Even though these aren’t definite signs, they might indicate a serious problem if accompanied by defensiveness and secretiveness.
The overall appearance of substance abusers can change dramatically. Many drugs trigger side effects that lead to obvious weight changes. Sudden weight gain or weight loss is common in addicts, as harmful substances cause rapid body composition changes. These individuals also become less interested in personal grooming for no good reason.
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Social and behavioral signs
Apart from physical symptoms, individuals who suffer from drug addiction exhibit an array of social and behavioral signs. They tend to avoid people who don’t take drugs, along with the places where substance abuse isn’t possible. Take note if someone changes friends a lot and spends more time alone.
Another indicator of potential drug use is being dishonest with family and friends to hide their bad habits. Having financial problems and debts is relatively common in individuals deep into their addiction. An addict is also likely to steal things or sell some of his/her belongings to pay for drugs. Getting into legal trouble is another common scenario.
Mood swings
Another telltale sign that a person needs assistance to overcome drug addiction is experiencing mood swings. Most substances, when used heavily, impair the ability of users to control their emotional input. These emotions take the form of irritation, sudden misery, extreme frustration, or uncontrollable anger in situations individuals previously handled their moods well.
For example, if a calm person often seems manic or unusually angry, it might point out to a drug use issue. The same is valid if an optimist deals with sudden depression waves. Mood swings are often a symptom of a mental health issue, which might be the original cause of addiction.
Interest loss
Another potential sign indicating that a person should receive treatment for substance abuse is their loss of interest. Drug dependency takes control of the mind’s reward system. Addicts often become disinterested or apathetic towards the hobbies, activities, and people they normally cherish.
The loss of interest in one’s favorite activities and hobbies usually means that someone is funneling his/her energy toward other things, such as using drugs. Addicts have a tendency not to show up or follow through on plans. These people are no longer enthusiastic as before, miss appointments, and forget to perform the things they usually do.
Reclusive behavior and defensiveness
Other signs pointing to potential substance dependence in a person include reclusive behavior and defensiveness. Substance abuse can be surprisingly isolating. Users usually experience shame and fear social stigma. Some drugs are capable of inducing paranoia. Consequently, people are forced to withdraw from their normal relationships and become too secretive.
Some reclusive behaviors in individuals that indicate hiding an addiction include spending too much time in their rooms, locking the door when entering or leaving the room, not sharing details about their everyday activities, and refusing to answer questions asked by people they normally trust.
Defensiveness is another sign present in people trying to hide their addiction. Addicts usually respond with wariness and hostility when uncomfortable topics arise. They have a habit of redirecting the conversation in another direction, which is usually accompanied by mood swings.
Erratic behavior
This trait is a common symptom of substance addiction, and it’s usually very evident in individuals. Depending on the substance a person is using, he/she might experience paranoia, euphoria, feelings of power, etc. These sensations have the capacity to lead users to perform dangerous or reckless actions. Withdrawal is capable of bringing emotional and physical distress that results in violent or erratic behavior.
Mental health consists of many aspects. Co-occurring disorders, like anxiety and depression, are usually triggered by drug abuse. The effects of one disorder feed off the other. If you notice a person who struggles with two types of conditions, you should definitely suggest dual diagnosis treatment. There are various drug rehab centers in Thornton, offering inpatient and outpatient care. Make sure to recommend one to your friend in need.
Changes in sleeping habits
Substance abuse causes disruption in users’ sleeping habits. Not only stimulants but also depressants have the power to alter hormonal activity, particularly referring to the hormones responsible for wakefulness and tiredness. Such influence eventually drives users off their typical schedule.
Most addicts end up sleeping for longer or less than usual or at different hours. It’s unsurprising for an addict to oversleep or stay up for extended periods compared to his/her normal sleeping habits. The same effects might also be experienced by addicts when drugs leave their system.
Wrap up
Any of these signs may indicate substance abuse.
Take immediate action if suspecting anything!
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