Worried that your friend, co-worker or family member might be addicted to drugs or alcohol? Wondering if they’re showing the signs of substance use disorder?
Unfortunately, addiction is far more common than you might think. In the United States, one out of every 10 adults will abuse drugs at some point in their lives. At any given moment, one in 25 Americans is struggling with substance misuse.
While those statistics might seem grim, the good news is that while addiction can’t be cured, it can be treated. Here at America’s Rehab Campuses, our team of compassionate, licensed addiction treatment specialists provide the support that addicts need to get clean and sober.
Read through these six common signs of addiction to see if you’re loved one is exhibiting signs that they’re addicted:
1) Personality changes
One of the earliest warning signs that your loved one is addicted is a change in their personality.
People who abuse drugs may loose interest in their day-to-day activities, be quick to anger, and experience major, uncharacteristic mood swings. They might go from being an extrovert to being reclusive, or they may display bursts of energy and elevated self-confidence.
You might notice that your loved one is no longer interested in hobbies and activities they used to enjoy. They could begin repeating themselves, misplace their belongings and show other signs of short-term memory loss.
2) Physical changes
Addiction is often characterized by changes in an individual’s physical appearance. They may:
- Loose weight (without dieting)
- Develop sores on their face and body
- Have discoloration on their teeth and gums
- Begin to neglect their personal hygiene
- Develop uncharacteristically foul body odor
Some of these physical changes can be direct side-effects of the substances they’re addicted to. Other physical signs stem from a lack of interest in taking care of themselves, such as failing to keep up with hair care routines.
3) Disrupted sleep patterns
Most commonly-abused drugs are either depressants or stimulants, and both types of drugs are known to disrupt sleep patterns.
Addicts who are abusing stimulants may go for days, or even weeks, on very little sleep. Depressants usually lead to oversleeping, and it’s quite common for addicts to mix both types of drugs.
4) They suddenly have different friends
People who are addicted to drugs and alcohol often feel uncomfortable spending time with old friends and family members, so they make new friends. These new friends tend to be other addicts who enable each other to continue using substances.
5) They’re having money problems
Drugs and alcohol can be expensive. Once an individual becomes addicted, they may start using money that they’d normally use to cover their bills to support their addiction.
You might notice that your loved one has fallen behind on their utility bills, credit card payments or even their mortgage or rent. They might put off paying for car repairs and home maintenance projects, and they could start asking friends and family for money. Some people who are addicts pawn jewelry and other high-value items to get cash, while others resort to stealing or selling drugs in order to fund their addiction.
6) They’re engaging in high-risk behaviors
People who are struggling with addiction often engage in risky behaviors, such as driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. They might have unprotected sex or become sexually promiscuous, and spend time in areas with high violent and property crime rates.
If your loved one exhibits one or more common signs of addiction, chances are good that they need help dealing with their drug and alcohol use.
Here at America’s Rehab Campuses, our team of addictions experts are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to take your call. Contact us today at (833) 272-7342 to find out how what treatments are available for your loved one.
