With more than 100,000 Americans dying every year from drug overdoses, it’s more important than ever to recognize the signs of addiction. If you are worried about family members or friends who may abuse alcohol or drugs, recognizing the early warning signs can help them get assistance sooner. Early intervention increases the chances of lifelong recovery and reduces the risk of relapse. At America’s Rehab Campus, we are always available to answer questions about fears and concerns regarding addiction.
Earliest Signs of Substance Use Disorder
You will typically notice some strange behavior far in advance of physical changes. Pay close attention and encourage your loved one to get help before things progress into life-threatening behavior.
Here are the early signs of alcohol or drug abuse:
- New friends: If your child, spouse or loved one starts spending time with new friends, it could be a sign of changing behavior. If they don’t introduce you or dodge questions about who these people are, it could be a red flag.
- Increasing irresponsibility: If your coworker, friend, family member or someone else you care about suddenly becomes irresponsible, it could indicate their thoughts are elsewhere. Addiction changes the way your mind works, and substance abuse can lead to confusion, memory loss and other negative effects.
- Changing values: If someone’s priorities suddenly change or they become secretive, it may indicate out-of-character behavior such as drug or alcohol use. If your open, loving friend or family member suddenly becomes secretive and distant, it could be time for an intervention.
When someone begins to prioritize drugs and alcohol over other aspects of their life, they typically change their behavior drastically. They may ask for money without giving you a good reason why. You could find that your outgoing, loving friend has suddenly become withdrawn and sullen. While many other reasons can account for these symptoms, they could also indicate a growing dependence on drugs and alcohol.
Arizona Rehab Campus offers inpatient and outpatient treatment programs to help you or your loved one begin the journey to recovery.
Financial Difficulty
Drugs and alcohol are expensive. Maintaining a burgeoning substance use disorder takes a lot of money. For example, those addicted to cocaine can spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on their habit before seeking help. If your spouse or loved one has started stealing your money or belongings, it’s often an indication they are in trouble and need immediate intervention.
Physical Changes Indication Drug and Alcohol Abuse
If someone you live or work with no longer cares how they look or dress, it could indicate that they have an issue with drugs or alcohol. They may also have mental health issues that have spurred them to self-medicate. There are many reasons that someone could change their appearance but, taken into account with other signs of early drug addiction, it’s a common sign of substance use disorders.
Drugs and alcohol can replace other priorities quickly. Addiction comes before self-care and just about everything else. It may result in loss of appetite, weight loss or weight gain, and other signs that someone has stopped taking care of themselves.
Look for these physical signs that may indicate symptoms associated with drug and alcohol abuse:
- Dilated or pinpoint pupils
- Body odor and disheveled appearance
- Bloody noses
- Bloodshot eyes
- Unusual body odor
- Slurred speech
- Scabs or open wounds
Reach out for help with drug and alcohol addiction treatment if you notice these signs in yourself or those around you. We help clients beat the odds and return to a more fulfilling, productive life.
Effective Addiction Treatment in Arizona
The myth that someone needs to hit rock bottom to get help is just that. The earlier you can get someone into detox and recovery, the better their chances are of living a long and healthy life. Many people feel intrusive observing their loved ones for signs of addiction. However, the consequences are dire and extreme.
At America’s Rehab Campus, we offer a continuum of care. Whether inpatient or outpatient treatment works best for you or your loved one, we are here to help. Contact a member of our admission staff today to learn more about our programs or enroll in a lifesaving recovery program in Arizona.
