It’s not always easy to come forth about drug addiction. Whether the barrier is denial, the user’s fear of judgment, or the urge to avoid treatment programs—there are a lot of reasons why people don’t seem to get themselves help. The one thing that remains consistent is how much it affects their lives and the lives of those around them. There are many physical and psychological signs to look out for when it comes to drug addiction. If you notice any of these in loved ones, friends, or yourself—it’s time to get help.
Loss of interest in family and friends
If you notice a sudden change in the way your loved one interacts with others, it might be time to wonder if they’re using drugs. Priorities often shift when someone falls into addiction because the need for the drug is most important—and that includes neglecting those who care about them. They may also become easily angered or irritated by others, even if they’re close.
Decreased motivation and energy levels
When someone is using drugs on a regular basis—they typically become less interested in hobbies that once brought them joy. They may also start to lose interest in their job (or school) because it doesn’t satisfy the cravings the same way as the drugs do. This usually leads to a decrease in energy levels and motivation as the addiction begins to take over their lives.
Changes in physical appearance
One of the most common external signs that someone is addicted to drugs is changes in their physical appearance. Drugs can affect different people in different ways, but oftentimes you’ll see drastic weight loss or weight gain. The person may also have a glazed-over look in their eyes and appear to be tired or sickly all the time—even if they’ve been sleeping for an extended period of time.
In addition, those who are addicted often experience different physical health problems as a result of drug use. These can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and tremors.
Changes in personality
There are several drastic changes that you might notice in the person’s personality. They may suddenly become depressed or very anxious and nervous about things they used to be able to handle easily. In addition, there is a high possibility of irritability as their needs aren’t being met by those around them anymore. This may even lead them to lash out at the people they love most. The person may even start to exhibit signs of extreme paranoia and schizophrenia, which can be incredibly harmful not only to themselves but also to those around them.
Trouble with the law
If you’ve noticed that your loved one has been getting into more trouble with the law than usual, it’s time to start asking questions. This could be a sign that the person is using drugs to get through their day and when they can’t access them, they become frustrated and turn to other means such as criminal activity.
Stealing or borrowing money excessively
When someone is addicted to drugs, it’s not uncommon for them to start stealing or borrowing money excessively from their family and friends. They may even begin stealing from people they don’t know because they’re desperate for money to access the drugs that have become a necessity in their life.
Addiction is a serious problem that can be difficult to manage on your own. The best thing you can do if you notice any of these signs in yourself or someone else is get help and support immediately. There are different options available for people who need help overcoming addiction, such as intensive treatment programs and therapeutic communities like the ones at Ashley Addiction Treatment. If you notice any or all of these symptoms, don’t wait; now is the time to take control of your addiction.
