6 Signs of a Drug Addiction
Addiction is neither a character flaw nor a sign of weakness. It is a widespread disorder that affects millions of individuals of different ages, origins, and socioeconomic classes. Although there is no one known cause or treatment for addiction, there is hope: it may be treated appropriately. Detoxification centers like baton rouge detox can help you recover from addiction problems.
Addiction to drugs
Drug addiction signs aren’t always visible. It is because many individuals fail to distinguish between addiction and recreational usage. While all drugs have inherent addiction hazards, most individuals do not become hooked to most substances after only one use. Addiction does not come with a sign that tells the rest of the world that you have a problem. If you’re concerned that a friend or a family member has become dependant on drugs, these signs and symptoms may help you evaluate if there’s a problem that needs to be addressed. Below are the six signs of drug addiction.
1. Relationship, Work, and School Issues
Addiction may cause problems in many aspects of a person’s life. One of the most critical signs of drug addiction to evaluate is whether or not they have problems with relationships, employment, or education. People may behave differently or feel pushed to conceal their drug use, generating tension in any relationship. It is common among spouses and romantic partners, but it is not limited to them. It’s normal for persons struggling with drug misuse to lash out at friends and eventually stop speaking to them altogether. Unfortunately, drugs frequently become more precious than relationships, making it even more difficult for an outside observer to assist them.
Trouble arriving to work on time or concentrating and difficulty functioning well in the classroom are additional signs of abuse. Again, when drugs become the individual’s primary focus, other responsibilities tend to go by the wayside.
2. Preoccupation with Your Substance of Choice
It’s natural for drug addicts to grow more fixated with their substance of choice as the addiction advances. It includes thinking about the next time you’ll take the drug, what you’ll do to ensure you don’t run out, so you don’t experience withdrawal symptoms, and where you’ll obtain the money to purchase more. The most telling indicator of drug addiction is when drug usage becomes a near-constant preoccupation. Someone on the outside looking in on addiction may imply that a friend or loved one is suddenly unreachable at particular times of the day. They may turn down invites they would have accepted before, or they may spend time with new pals you’ve never met. It is an indication that they spend their time with other drug users.
3. Loss of Interest in Things That Used to Make You Happy
You’ve missed a calm Sunday afternoon spent reading or painting. Or maybe your loved one used to adore baking cookies and cupcakes for special occasions, but you haven’t had one in months? Addiction consumes a lot of time, and there is a lot of worry about what would happen if they ran out of substances. It’s challenging to find time for anything else when you’re so preoccupied with a drug.
4. Behavior change
You should also anticipate witnessing behavioural changes, whether you’re the one with a drug misuse issue or you’re concerned about a loved one. When interacting with someone who has an addiction to a legal medication or an illicit substance, slurred speech is generally the norm, as are sloppy movements and mishaps, such as often stumbling or losing objects. Changes in behaviour might also include more challenging aspects to identify, such as becoming more secretive about personal space or whereabouts. People who struggle with substance abuse are often embarrassed about their condition. So, if your loved one suddenly seems to be concealing something, this might be a sign of drug addiction. There have also been many reports of people becoming aggressive when they are unable to obtain the drug they are dependent on. This can be an indication of a much more serious issue.
5. Appearance change
Family and friends are far more likely to notice if you’ve changed in appearance. You may not notice changes since you see yourself every day and because they might be gradual. Friends and relatives who visit you once a week or once a month, on the other hand, may see the difference as something unexpected. As a result, if others tell you that you appear different, there’s a good chance they’re right. Changes may be substantial at times, particularly over time, but they don’t necessarily have to be severe. Someone with an alcohol or drug addiction, for example, may have crimson eyes or dilated pupils. When weight loss cannot explain by other habits, such as dietary changes, it may be a symptom of drug addiction. If you see changes in the look of a loved one, this might be an indication of drug addiction.
6. Trouble with limits
It might show a desire to take a prescription medicine at a larger dosage than advised or to continue taking it after the health condition it is supposed to address has passed. Addiction makes it challenging to obey even self-imposed limits. It is a troubling indicator if you have given yourself a self-imposed usage restriction but cannot adhere to it.
Conclusion
Addiction is tough to discuss, especially with people who are close to you. An intervention professional will assist your family in approaching the subject of addiction with clarity and understanding and give necessary support and guidance.