Recognize the Red Flags and Get Help
Drug addiction is a serious problem that can affect anyone. When someone is addicted, it changes their behavior, their health and their relationships with others. In this article, we review ten signs of drug addiction and look at different ways to get help through treatment.
10 Signs of Drug Addiction
1. Intoxication
When a person is under the influence of drugs, they may seem “high” or out of it. Intoxication can affect the way someone talks, moves and even thinks. They might have trouble speaking clearly, keeping balance or making good decisions.
2. Withdrawal
Withdrawal happens when a person stops taking drugs and their body reacts with unpleasant symptoms. These symptoms can be physical, such as shaking, sweating or stomach pain, and emotional, such as feeling very sad or anxious. The body has become so used to the drug that without it, everything feels wrong.
3. Cravings
Cravings are strong urges to use drugs. A person with drug addiction will often think about drugs all the time. They might feel a strong need to take the drug, even when they know it will cause problems.
4. Tolerance
Over time, the same amount of a drug stops having the same effect. This means a person needs more and more of the drug to feel the same high. This increased need is called tolerance. Tolerance can make drug use even more dangerous, as the amount taken may become risky and can lead to overdose or more severe health issues.
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5. Inability to Manage Use
Many people want to stop using drugs, but find it very difficult, even if they try on their own. When someone is addicted, they may try to control their use, but find that they cannot.
6. Spending a Lot of Time Obtaining and Recovering from Use
A person with drug addiction may spend many hours each day on activities related to the drug. This can include searching for drugs, buying them, using them and even recovering from their effects.
7. Issues with Work and Home Life
Drug addiction can have a big impact on one’s life at work or home. A person struggling with addiction may miss work, perform poorly or even lose their job. At home, they might argue with family members, neglect daily responsibilities or cause tension in the household.
8. Engaging in Risky Activities
Sometimes, when someone is addicted to drugs, they take risks they normally would not take. This can include dangerous behavior such as driving under the influence, getting involved in illegal activities or associating with people who lead to more danger.
9. Personality Changes
Addiction can change a person’s personality. A once happy and friendly person might become secretive, anxious or even angry. These changes are due to both the effects of the drug and the stress of maintaining the habit.
10. Spending Excessive Money on Drugs
One clear sign of drug addiction is when a person spends money on drugs even if they cannot really afford it. This behavior can lead to financial problems, such as debts or even homelessness.
Treatment Options for Drug Addiction
Recovering from drug addiction is possible. Here are some treatment options available that can help someone take back control of their life.
Rehabilitation Centers
Rehabilitation centers offer a safe place for people to get help with their addiction. In these centers, individuals receive care and support from professionals. They learn about their addiction and ways to overcome it. Rehabilitation centers usually provide counseling sessions, group therapy and activities that build new, positive habits.
Withdrawal Management
Withdrawal management, or detox, is the first step for many people on the road to recovery. This process helps the body get used to being without the drug. Medical professionals provide care to make the withdrawal process as safe and comfortable as possible. They may use medications to help with painful symptoms or severe cravings.
Behavior Therapy
Behavior therapy is a type of treatment that helps people change the way they think and behave. This therapy can be done one-on-one with a professional or in a group. Through behavior therapy, a person learns to identify their drug triggers and how to deal with them. Therapy sessions also teach skills for managing stress, solving problems and making healthier decisions.
Medication
In some cases, medication is used to help people with drug addiction. Medications can reduce cravings, help with withdrawal symptoms or make the drug less enjoyable if used. They work by altering the brain chemistry that is affected by addiction.
Support Groups
Support groups are a key part of many recovery journeys. These groups bring together people who have gone through similar experiences with addiction. Sharing stories, challenges and successes in a group setting can be very healing. Support groups provide encouragement and advice on how to handle difficult moments.
Final Notes
Recognizing the signs of drug addiction is the first step toward getting help. If you or someone you know is showing signs of drug addiction, reaching out for help can be the start of a better, healthier life. Remember, recovery is a journey and there are many people and resources ready to support you along the way.
Keep reading to learn about common signs of alcohol addiction.