Recognizing that someone has an addiction problem can be harder than you think. Knowing the signs of addiction is the first thing that helps you identify someone struggling with drug abuse. Addiction is a chronic disease that affects the brain’s memory, reward, and motivation functions. Someone struggling with addiction will be dependent on the use of the substance and will need to seek help from a residential treatment center.
Moreover, they will likely show some behavioral habits and ignore other parts of their life to support their addiction. You should suspect your friend or family member is struggling with addiction if they exhibit signs of addiction that include:
- Lack of control when it comes to alcohol or other substances
- Decreased socialization such as abandoning commitments
- Ignoring risk factors that can lead to health problems, like sharing needles
- Showing withdrawal symptoms and other physical effects
All these signs are linked, and their intensity depends on how long someone has been addicted. An average healthy person works to improve their negative behavior. Meanwhile, someone fighting addiction tries to justify and continue their problem behaviors.
If you want to help a loved one, you need first to be able to recognize the physical, emotional, and mental signs, The Detox Center is here to help.
Initial Signs of Addiction
Every type of addiction has different symptoms. Please take note of these important signs of addiction to help in the recovery process.
Early-stage signs of addiction can include:
- History of addiction in the family
- Experimenting with different substances
- Seeking situations where alcohol and drugs are present
- Binging and having episodes of losing control
- Feeling no remorse after drink binging
Changes in Health
Addiction has a significant effect on our physical and mental health. As such, one way to recognize if someone is suffering from addiction is by paying attention to their physical and mental health. No matter the type of addiction – alcohol or drugs – the first area to show decline is always your health.
Signs that suggest someone is experiencing health issues related to addiction include:
- Glazed or bloodshot eyes
- Abrupt weight gain or weight loss
- Constant illness
- Unexplained injuries
- Bad skin, nails, hair, and teeth
- Memory loss
Besides these red flags, people struggling with addiction show physical symptoms of withdrawal and will need an alcohol detox center program. For instance, they may sweat profusely, tremble uncontrollably, or vomit violently. They also ramble all the time or speak in slurred words. Problems with memory are also common.
Mental and emotional changes are also signs of addiction. Such changes may include:
- Irritability
- Depression
- Apathy
- Sudden mood changes
- Aggressive behavior
- Suicidal thoughts
You must eliminate any possibility that the health decline is due to medical reasons. Keep in mind as well that someone with addiction does not always understand how serious their problem may be. If after considering all other possible causes, and you don’t see any other explanation, then the culprit could be an addiction.
Changes in Personality and Behavior
If the addiction has passed the early phase, you will notice some significant changes in their personality and behavior. Some of these signs include:
- Lack of interest in activities that used to be important to them
- Negative relationships to the people closest to them
- Missing obligations and responsibilities such as work and school
- Risk-taking behaviors involving drugs and other substances
- Changes in sleeping patterns resulting in chronic fatigue
- Increased secrecy and ignoring the negative consequences of their actions
The Steps to Recovery are at The Detox Center
Identifying the signs of addiction is the first step to recovery. When you see that your loved one might be struggling with substance abuse, talk to them. If possible, stage an intervention. Reaching out to get reliable detox center programs to complete treatment helps them return to a healthy life. So call the Detox Center today at [Direct] for more information or to schedule an appointment.