Substance Drug Abuse
Substance Drug Abuse: Signs of Addictive Behavior
Not everyone who uses drugs will develop an addiction. And so far science has not been able to determine who will become addicted and who won't. Some individuals can use drugs and keep it well hidden from others even those close to them. Others however show more obvious signs that they are using. If you are concerned that someone you care about is using drugs or even worse is addicted there are several signs you can watch for to give you a better idea.
Drugs and alcohol can affect a person's mood. With many drugs a pleasant even euphoric feeling or high is produced while using. While high the person may be giddy more talkative than usual or unusually calm and relaxed. Drugs can also impact one's energy level. Drugs like cocaine and amphetamines for example can provide a significant burst of energy often resulting in talkativeness and a decreased need for sleep. Other drugs such as heroin and marijuana tend to make a person more mellow and subdued.
Some drugs can make people psychotic. In other words they lose touch with reality. They may begin to hallucinate which means they see or hear things which aren't really there. Or they may become delusional. Delusions involve beliefs which are not based in reality such as believing one has special powers. Many drugs cause people to become quite paranoid believing that others are out to get them or conspiring against them.
Other drugs may cause increased agitation or irritability or make the person increasingly anxious. Steroids for example can create a rage which can make a person dangerous particularly if confronted. Little things that normally wouldn't bother them may become agitating to them.
The signs and indicators or drug abuse or addiction can vary greatly depending on the particular drugs they are using. Following are some common telltale signs of drug abuse and addiction:
- Increased association with others who use drugs
- Decreased time spent with friend who don't use drugs
- Problems with performance at work
- Increased tardiness or absenteeism at work
- Changes in appetite or eating habits
- Changes in weight
- Changes in one's personal hygiene often neglecting it
- Social withdrawal
- Attitude or personality changes
- Normal routine or habits begin to change
- Difficulties with concentration or memory
- Mood fluctuations increased irritability or anxiety
- Family friends activities become less important
- Increased apathy or difficulties with motivation loss of energy
- Increased energy and / or talkativeness
- Decreased need for sleep
- Paranoia or suspiciousness
- Unusual or bizarre behavior
- Silliness or giddiness which is out of character or inappropriate
- Violent or aggressive behavior
- Defensive or resentful attitude
Other telltale signs often include:
- Increase in secretiveness and need for privacy acts suspiciously
- Starts to collect drug paraphernalia
- Run-ins with the law
- Often lies about activities or whereabouts
- Increased tendency towards accidents
- Odor of the substance being used which may be on the person's breath body or clothing
- Physical marks such as bruises or needle marks on arms legs or feet may wear long sleeves to hide them even when the weather is very warm
- Increased need for money may borrow steal or gamble to get more money
Any time that someone you are close to starts to suddenly exhibit any of these symptoms drug addiction should be considered as the cause. The more significant the change from the person's normal behavior the more reason for concern.
Unfortunately the individual who is addicted may be in denial. It is not unusual for addicts to believe they have complete control over their use and can quit using at any time. While this is a possibility for those who are only abusing drugs it is not generally true for those who have become addicted.
Once the need for the substance has taken over it will probably begin to show in their daily lives. They may being to repeatedly fail to show up for family functions neglect children and other family members give a poor work performance have uncharacteristic mood changes and always have poor excuses for their behavior.
The majority of individuals who suffer from drug addiction do not seek help on their own. If left untreated they will usually continue to get worse until they suffer serious consequences. However there is hope for addicts. With the appropriate treatment even the most serious addict can become clean and sober. Finding the right Florida rehab center may be challenging but with the right direction and information it can be the most rewarding decision you may ever make. Give us a call today for help.
