If you suspect your loved one may have a substance abuse disorder, you are in a position to help. As someone they love, you are closer to them than others and have some power to persuade them that detox and rehab may be the right choice for their future — and yours.
As you seek answers to your loved one’s situation and behaviors, it is important to realize that drug abuse affects people regardless of their socioeconomic status or way of life. Your loved one may be a professional, student or other hard-working member of society. But drug use, high tolerance and dependency can quickly grow into a full-fledged problem, even before the individual realizes what is happening. Once they are physically dependent to the substance they use, they are stuck in a cycle that requires help to get out.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, there are many signs you can look for to determine whether your loved one may have a substance abuse problem. To identify substance abuse disorder in the person you care about, look for physical and behavioral signs.
Physical Signs of Substance Abuse Disorder
Symptoms of drug or alcohol abuse may present themselves when the body’s wellness and ability to function are being affected by the use. As a substance abuse disorder progresses, the body requires more and more of the same substance to feel the effects it experienced when the substance was first used. This is known as physical tolerance. Tolerance is a pathway to overdose, as your loved one needs more of the drug or alcohol with each passing day.
Changes in physical appearance of your loved one can also signal possible substance abuse. These signs may include:
- Glazed or bloodshot eyes
- Constricted or dilated pupils
- Rapid weight changes
- Bruises, infections or other signs of where the drug is being injected – if it is an injectable drug
- Changes in personality
- Disrupted sleep patterns
- Grooming or personal hygiene changes
- Increased occurrence of physical illness
Behavioral Signs of Substance Abuse Disorder
If your loved one is abusing drugs or alcohol, their behavior will change. These types of changes are likely what has prompted you to read this article, now. As dependence to the substance increases their appearance, behavior and habits will likely also change.
Substance abuse may be indicated by some of the following changes:
- Aggression or irritability
- Attitude changes
- Personality changes
- Lethargy
- Depression
- Social circle changes
- Financial issues
- Dramatic changes in priorities or habits
- Criminal activity
New Start Detox Can Help Your Loved One
The beginning of treatment and recovery for a substance abuse disorder starts at detox. New Start Detox in Santa Ana and Tustin, California provides the safe, supervised detoxification services your loved one needs for a renewed start in life. Through safe and comfortable withdrawal, the person you love can get back to being who they were before physical dependence or addiction took hold.
Help your loved one make the right decision. Call New Start Detox at 855-737-7363 now for guidance in helping them down the right path away from addiction.