Drug addiction is a serious problem that can have devastating consequences for those affected, as well as their loved ones. It’s often difficult to recognize the signs of drug abuse in someone you care about, but understanding what to look out for can be critical in helping them get the treatment they need.

PHYSICAL CHANGES

One of the most common signs that a loved one may be struggling with a drug addiction is physical changes. Loved ones may notice changes in their friend or family member’s appearance, such as sudden weight loss, red eyes and skin, pale or gray complexion, tiredness, and a disheveled look. In addition to changes in physical appearance, there may also be a drastic change in behavior as well.

Family members and loved ones should be aware of any new friends their loved one might have; suddenly spending more time away from home; staying out late; lack of interest in activities they used to enjoy; not attending school or work; irritability; and unpredictable mood swings. These are all signs that their loved one might be using drugs.

Another sign that someone is addicted to drugs is when they become preoccupied with getting and using drugs. They will start to favor drugs over anything else, including family relationships and job responsibilities. It is not uncommon for someone who is addicted to drugs to lie about where they are going or what they are doing, try to hide items from view that could indicate drug use (such as paraphernalia or empty wrappers), steal money or items from family members or friends in order to get the drugs they need, put themselves into risky situations in exchange for drugs, and engage in criminal activities related to obtaining drugs.

The physical effects of drug addiction are often quite apparent, particularly if someone is using large amounts of drugs on a regular basis. Common physical signs include fatigue, red eyes, dilated pupils, slurred speech and impaired coordination. If a loved one has become addicted to opioids or other prescription medications, an increase in doctor visits for new prescriptions could be another warning sign that something is wrong. Finally, financial difficulties can often accompany an addiction if someone is spending an excessive amount of money on drugs or alcohol regularly without providing any explanation for where the money is going.

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The easiest way for family members and friends to tell if someone has an addiction is if the person cannot stop using the drug even if it has serious consequences on every aspect of their life. If your loved one continues using despite facing legal trouble, health problems, relationship issues, financial strain – chances are he/she has an addiction issue that needs professional help. If you see these signs in your friend or family member’s life it’s important you reach out for help immediately before it gets worse.

CHANGES IN SLEEP HABITS

Sleep is one of the most important aspects of health and well-being, and changes in sleep can be a sign of drug addiction. When someone is addicted to drugs, their sleep patterns often suffer. They may stay up late into the night, or wake up very early in the morning due to insomnia caused by high levels of stimulation from drugs. It's also common for people with drug addiction to experience difficulty feeling rested throughout the day, even after getting what looks like enough sleep.

Family members or loved ones who are close to someone with a drug addiction may notice changes in their sleeping habits that have become chronic and unmanageable. This may include staying up until late at night and not being able to fall asleep until many hours later, waking up multiple times during the night, having difficulty falling back asleep after waking up abruptly in the middle of the night, and oversleeping during the day due to exhaustion. Not surprisingly, these changes can lead to feeling fatigued throughout the day and not having enough energy for daily activities.

The main takeaway here is that changes in a person’s sleeping habits should be taken seriously if they become chronic and disruptive enough. If you're worried that your family member or loved one might have an addiction problem, it's important to pay attention to any unusual shifts in their sleeping patterns as this can be indicative of a deeper issue such as substance abuse.

CHANGES IN BEHAVIOR

When a loved one is dealing with a drug addiction, there are several changes in behavior that family and friends may notice. These changes can be both physical and emotional, and range from subtle to obvious.

One of the most common signs of drug addiction is an increase in secrecy. A loved one who has become addicted to drugs may try to keep their substance use a secret from those closest to them. They may try to hide it by avoiding conversations about drug use or lying about their activities when asked directly. They may also start spending more time away from home and family, possibly attending events where they know there will be illicit drugs available.

Changes in mood can also be indicators of drug addiction in a loved one. Someone who is struggling with an addiction may have sudden shifts in their overall demeanor or have frequent periods of sadness, anger, irritability or anxiety that don't seem to fit the situation at hand. They may even experience more extreme reactions than usual, such as panic attacks or paranoia.

CHANGES IN PERFORMANCE

When a loved one is struggling with a drug addiction, changes in their performance can be evident. They may experience difficulty concentrating and may become easily distracted or forgetful. Family members may notice that the person has become less focused and organized, leading to problems completing tasks. Furthermore, they may have trouble staying motivated or becoming easily overwhelmed by seemingly minor issues.

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Addiction can also affect how someone interacts with others. A loved one who is dealing with an addiction may start withdrawing from friends and family members, preferring to keep to themselves or isolating themselves out of guilt or shame. They may also become more distant in conversations, having difficulty interacting and expressing themselves clearly due to the drugs impairing their cognition and speech patterns.

Further changes in performance that can indicate an addiction include a decrease in overall energy levels as well as poor physical coordination and impaired motor skills. A loved one struggling with an addiction may have difficulty performing everyday activities such as driving or operating machinery due to their diminished cognitive abilities. Additionally, changes in performance can manifest as a decrease in productivity at work or school due to decreased focus and motivation levels caused by the substance use.

Emotional Changes

One of the most difficult parts of dealing with someone who is struggling with drug addiction is recognizing the emotional changes that come along with it. Family members and close loved ones are often the first to witness these changes, which can range from mood swings to sudden outbursts and everything in between. Drug addiction can sometimes cause a loved one to become distant, withdrawing from family and friends as they focus their attention on obtaining and using their drug of choice. This can be accompanied by a lack of interest in activities that were once enjoyed, leading to an overall decrease in enthusiasm for life.

Drug addiction can also lead to severe depression and anxiety, as well as paranoia and extreme irritability. Substance abuse impairs decision-making skills, resulting in irrational actions or behaviors that may seem out of character for the individual involved. A common emotion associated with drug use is guilt; many addicted individuals feel ashamed or embarrassed about their situation and this shame may manifest itself in different ways such as avoidance or isolation. Additionally, loved ones may observe dramatic shifts in behavior due to substance-induced euphoria or mania; these episodes usually last only momentarily before crashing back into reality accompanied by despair and hopelessness.

Making an Intervention

Interventions for drug addiction can be a powerful tool for helping family members to break the cycle of substance abuse and addiction. An intervention is an organized meeting in which family members and friends join together to express their concern about an individual's drug use and encourage that person to seek treatment. The intervention process typically includes expressing feelings, providing facts about the effects of drugs, setting expectations and boundaries, as well as developing a plan that will help the individual seek immediate help.

Intervention is not only a way to show love and support, but also provides an opportunity to confront negative behavior and set expectations moving forward. During family interventions it’s important to focus on the specific behaviors that have been observed due to substance abuse, such as changes in mood or attitude, withdrawal from activities, or financial problems resulting from addiction. Family members should avoid blaming or shaming the individual during an intervention; instead they should focus on how everyone’s life has been affected by the drug use, discuss what needs to change in order for recovery to occur, and offer clear solutions on how those changes can be made.

The goal of any intervention is ultimately getting individuals into treatment so they can begin their journey towards lasting sobriety. By working together as a united front with one another’s support, families can often provide just enough motivation for people struggling with drug addiction in order for them make positive changes in their lives—changes leading toward lasting wellness and recovery from substance abuse disorder.

Your Journey To Recovery Begins Today – Red Hill Recovery Center in Louisiana

Our inpatient treatment program combines various treatment approaches to provide you with a holistic recovery experience.

Call Today 318-402-0000

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If you think a loved one is suffering from addiction, it’s important to take action right away. Red Hill Recovery offers comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each individual patient so they can get the help they need in order to reach lasting sobriety. Don't wait any longer - contact us today and learn how we can support your family member through this difficult time. Our team of experts are here for you when you're ready; let's work together towards recovery.