There is not a single opinion about what a person suffering from substance abuse disorder needs to look like. People are often unaware of the fact they have a problem, and friends or family members are the first to notice something has changed. They can play a crucial role in helping an addicted person. It can be difficult to see the signs of addiction but becoming aware of these signs and symptoms can help aid their recovery.
Are you concerned that you or a loved one is addicted to drugs? There are a few signs of drug addiction you should be aware of, so read on to find out more.
Not all drug use results in drug addiction. Some drugs are more addictive than others. Some people are more prone to addiction than others.
If you’re wondering whether or not your drug use has crossed the line into addiction territory, or if you’re concerned that a loved one may be addicted to drugs, here are five glaring signs that drug use is likely already an issue.
1. You’re Taking Risks
You’re using money you don’t have to buy drugs. You’re going into debt to support this habit. You’re in trouble with authority figures.
You’re in trouble with the law for other crimes that have resulted from drug use.
If any of these statements sound like you, you may be prioritizing drug use over other self-preserving activities. When drug use becomes more important than your ability to pay your bills or care for your children, there is a serious problem that needs to be addressed.
2. You Have Physical Symptoms If You Stop Use
You feel sick if you try to cut back or reduce the amount or frequency that you use drugs. You may be shakey, dizzy, nauseous, have headaches, or otherwise feel ill when you run out of drugs.
This feeling of illness when you stop drugs may be indicative of withdrawal symptoms caused by a physical addiction to your drug of choice.
Withdrawal is a serious condition that will cause painful physical symptoms as the toxins leave your system. Alcohol, benzodiazepines, and opioids should never be stopped “cold turkey”. Alcohol withdrawal, and from certain drugs, can result in death.
Please seek medical attention for treatment of withdrawal symptoms.
3. You’ve Withdrawn Socially
You don’t spend as much time with friends and family. You find yourself drifting away from activities and events that you used to love.
Reducing time spent in normal life allows for more time abusing drugs without what can be perceived as judgment. People who are struggling with drug abuse isolate themselves to avoid dealing with other people who care about them and want to get them the help they need.
4. Your Drug Use Has Increased, or You’ve Switched Drugs
The longer you take drugs the more you develop a tolerance for that drug. This means that in order to capture that same euphoric or out-of-body feeling you had when you first started taking a small dose of drugs, you need to take more drugs more frequently.
This may result in increased use of the same drug, or you may have switched to a “harder” drug. Either way, the chances of overdose increase as you up the amount or type of drug you are taking.
5. You Feel Like You Can’t Stop
The feeling that you are no longer in control of your drug use is a sure sign that drug abuse has become a drug addiction.
When you feel yourself spiraling out of control, it is time to learn how to overcome addiction.
Addicted to Drugs? There is Help.
You don’t have to remain addicted to drugs.
And you don’t have to combat your addiction alone.
There are options to get you the help you need. Addiction is an illness that can be successfully treated by medical professionals.
Looking for more information on drug addiction and withdrawal? Check out this article on opioid withdrawal.
