People from all age groups, economic classes, and genders can fall prey to substance abuse. While the sufferer may think that they hide their habit well, they will show some signs of drug use. By spotting drug addiction symptoms in someone, you can help them to find an addiction recovery program to help them to live a life without suffering from substance use. If you’re battling an addiction, please reach out to Fort Behavioral Health today at 844.332.1807.
Methods for Spotting Drug Addiction
First, you need to learn how to look for signs that someone you know suffers from substance abuse. The methods that you use for spotting drug addiction will depend on your relationship with that person. For instance, if you feel concerned about your teenager using drugs, you will not use the same methods to look for signs of an addiction as you would for a coworker. You can search your teen’s space but not your coworker’s.
However, just talking to someone on a regular basis can show signs of addiction. For example, when speaking to someone, look at the size of the black pupils in their eyes. Are they large in bright light or pinpoint-size in dim light? These could indicate a drug use issue. Whether the pupils remain dilated or contracted depends on the type of drugs abused.
Another method for spotting drug addiction also occurs during conversations. You might be able to smell alcohol on the breath or smoke on their clothes.
Next, watch out for behavioral changes. In a coworker or friend, you may notice more absences at work or social events. A drop in work performance or a loss of interest in activities may also happen. If you feel concerned for a relative, you may notice them spending long hours out at social events, breaking curfew, or keeping secrets about who they spend time with most of the time.
Spotting Drug Addiction in a Friend or Loved One
People who use drugs will often let some signs of their problem show, no matter how hard they try to hide the issue. Watch out for the following signs of drug use:
- Regularly borrowing money
- Major changes in mood or behavior
- No longer interested in hobbies or work
- Taking more sick days or complains of feeling ill often
- Losing coordination or slurring speech
- Decrease in hygiene
What to Do When You Notice Signs of Addiction
When looking for drug addiction in a friend or family member, you may find that they need professional help. Instead of begging, cajoling, or threatening them to enter a treatment program, recommend that they see a counselor or physician. People have a higher chance of taking the advice of a neutral professional over a loved one or friend.
Plus, if you suggest the individual sees a doctor, the physician can determine if the person has a problem with drug addiction, depression, or both. Frequently, signs of mental health problems overlap with those seen in drug addictions. These overlapping signs may include the following:
- Fatigue
- Decrease in hygiene
- Mood changes
- Sleeping more or less
- Changes in eating habits
- Loss of interest or drop in work performance
For some people, mental health issues and drug addiction happen together. When this happens, the person will need a dual diagnosis treatment program to meet the needs of recovery from their substance use disorder and their mental illness.
Seek a Drug Addiction Program in TX
Getting treatment for drug addiction could save a life. By entering into a recovery program, the person suffering from addiction reduces their chances of dying from an overdose or vehicle accident while driving under the influence. Also, they will be able to return to work and become more productive than they were while using.
Many addiction therapy programs exist to meet the needs of a wide variety of people who deal with substance use in their lives. If you have a loved one or friend who needs a drug addiction program in TX, contact us at Fort Behavioral Health at 844.332.1807. Our team of caring experts will help your loved one on their recovery journey. By seeking help, your loved one can turn their life around from their former existence burdened by addiction to a life of freedom in recovery.
