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Not everyone who takes alcohol or drugs has a substance abuse problem; however, several individuals struggle with substance abuse. Understanding the tell-tale symptoms of drug addiction is the first step toward getting help otherwise, it can be very difficult to identify and help a loved one overcome addiction. Substance use disorders can change how people look, act, and feel, and drug abuse symptoms can be physical, behavioral, and psychological. It can be nerve-wracking to approach a loved one about their problem.
Signs Your Loved One Needs an Intervention
Financial Struggles
Some drugs are costly to acquire, and as the addict gets more dependent on the drug, they may use manipulative tactics to acquire funds to purchase their drug of choice. If your loved one cannot explain where their money is going or why they are struggling financial-wise despite having a paying job, they may be using drugs or alcohol.
Changes to the Physical Body
Different drugs may cause different physical implications, but there are more general ways to tell when a loved one is struggling with addiction. With the increasing need to secure more of their preferred drug, they may neglect their hygiene and care. That may present as disheveled clothes, bad dental hygiene, changes in weight, or eating habits and irregular eating patterns. They may try to hide their deteriorating state; hence you may notice way later than expected. If you observe any of these signs, it is time to learn how to do an intervention.
Mood Swings
An addict may exhibit very irrational and very unpredictable behavior. The drug itself may cause changes in mood and behavior, depending on how often and which drug was taken or by withdrawal. Take note of these mood changes, as withdrawals often cause irritable behavior.
Manipulative Behavior
The over-dependence on drugs may make your loved one prone to lies and deceit as a way to obtain the drugs. They will also use deceptive behavior to cover their tracks, for example, by hiding bottles of alcohol or stuffing their medications in unmarked bottles to alleviate suspicion.
A Decline in Their Mental Health State
Studies have shown that half of those with substance abuse also suffer mental health issues. Addiction is often accompanied by mental health disorders such as depression, bipolar, and anxiety, and addiction feeds into these disorders and vice versa. Suppose your loved one had ever experienced any of these mental health issues before they started using. If this is the case, consider seeking help from addiction intervention specialists or dual diagnosis treatment, as their addiction may worsen their condition.
Isolation
Often addicts may isolate themselves from the outside world and activities they previously enjoyed. This behavior might be linked to co-occurring mental health disorders like depression or withdrawal symptoms. Also, They may opt to spend less time with you and more time with people who consume their preferred substance to avoid criticism.
Staging an intervention can be very difficult. Access to professional drug and alcohol intervention programs is essential to ensure that the intervention is productive and leads to your loved one embracing a more sustainable lifestyle.
Please contact Addiction Interventions at 866-584-2525 or email info@addictioninterventions.com to start your recovery journey.