Further, the intensity of withdrawal depends on the amount of drug usually taken and the duration of its effects. Withdrawal from such drugs as heroin, painkillers, alcohol, and benzodiazepine tranquilizers can be life-threatening, and medical supervision is generally advised. Cravings are intense desires for a substance and motivate the repeated seeking of the substance and its effects. They are typically viewed as a sign of entrenchment of the addiction process. Cravings intrude on thought processes, create considerable distress, and focus attention on immediately satisfying the desire for the substance.
Rise in Prescription Drug Misuse and Abuse Impacting Teens
No one wants to admit to their parents that they are using illicit drugs. Because of this, many people with an addiction will begin to lie about their whereabouts, how they spent their time or where their money is going. This is done to maintain a façade of normalcy in order to prevent prying. If you notice that a loved one is becoming secretive or deceitful, then there is a good chance they are hiding something from you.
Resources and Treatment Options for Substance Use Disorder
If you do start using the drug, it’s likely you’ll lose control over its use again — even if you’ve had treatment and you haven’t used the drug for some time. People struggling with addiction usually deny they have a problem and hesitate to seek treatment. An intervention presents a loved one with a structured opportunity to make changes before things get even worse and can motivate someone to seek or accept help. Signs and symptoms of inhalant use vary, depending on the substance.
Statistics on PCP Use, Prevalence, & Addiction Treatment
Substance abuse often requires a significant financial investment to sustain the habit. Individuals struggling with drug use may experience financial strain due to their ongoing signs of drug use need for drugs or other substances. Moreover, addiction can result in legal troubles and performance declines at work or school, exacerbating the negative consequences on personal and professional relationships.
- One of the telltale signs of drug use is constant fatigue or a noticeable lack of energy.
- Recognizing these signs and symptoms may be the first step toward recovery.
- People may feel that a substance is adversely affecting their lives and relationships, or that they have trouble stopping use.
Addiction refers to the physical and mental cycle of intoxication, withdrawal, and craving. You can be addicted to chemical substances like alcohol or drugs, but there are also behavioral addictions to activities like gambling, internet gaming, eating, exercise, sex, and social media. Substance abuse is defined as the use of illegal drugs, medications or alcohol for purposes other than those they were intended for or the excessive use of those substances.
While we all certainly hope that this would be true, it can very easily happen to anyone. Some people may use substances to help them cope with the symptoms of their mental health condition. Substance use disorder (SUD) affects a person’s ability to control their use of alcohol or drugs.
Understanding How Soon After Surgery You Can Enter Inpatient Rehabilitation
Recovery often requires addressing the guilt and shame people feel over their own addictive behavior. Left unaddressed, such painful negative self-related feelings can seek quick relief in drug use before impulse control is regained. Defensiveness, on the other hand, can manifest as becoming overly argumentative or reacting with anger when the topic is brought up. They might attempt to rationalize their actions in ways that seem convincing, both to themselves and others, further complicating the ability for loved ones to address the issue directly. Understanding this denial and defensiveness is critical in approaching the subject compassionately and persistently, as these behaviors are often significant barriers to recovery. If they have a job or career, you may also notice declining performance in the professional aspects as drug use becomes the number one priority.
Unusual Sleep Patterns or Insomnia
If a person has these risk factors, it’s reasonable to look for symptoms of drug use. In the United States, Sober living home about 17 million people had both an SUD and a mental health disorder in 2020. Some people with SUD engage in secretive behavior to hide their drug use.
Prepare to take action and have a conversation during which you can ask direct questions like “Have you been drinking, vaping or using drugs? ” No parent wants to hear “yes,” but being prepared for how you would respond can be the starting point for a more positive outcome. If you notice a loved one experiencing persistent issues with their cognitive function or a decline in their decision-making abilities, it may be a cause for concern. Committed to helping families find high-quality, ethical treatment providers, the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers offers a routinely updated Addiction Industry Directory. Remember to offer help and support, especially if they’re interested in getting treatment.
Discovering that someone you know may be using drugs can be a difficult and sensitive situation. It’s important to approach the situation with care, concern, and a desire to help. Here are some steps to consider when approaching someone you suspect might be using drugs. Changes in sleep patterns are another red flag that may indicate drug use. Someone who is using drugs may experience disrupted sleep, insomnia, or other irregularities in their sleep-wake cycle.
Denial and defensiveness, isolation from loved ones, and legal or work-related issues are all critical red flags that highlight the need for intervention. For those observing these behaviors in someone close, it’s important to approach the situation with compassion and patience. Professional support, whether through counseling, rehabilitation, or support groups, can provide a clear path to recovery. Early detection and consistent support can help break the cycle of addiction and pave the way for a healthier, substance-free future. It allows for early intervention, which can prevent the escalation of substance abuse and potential harm to the individual’s health, relationships, and overall well-being.
