Unfortunately, there are many inaccurate portrayals of people suffering from substance abuse disorders. As a result, people frequently do not recognize that they have a problem, and friends or family members are often the first to discover that something has changed. Uncertainty makes it difficult to progress if you are concerned that you or a loved one is suffering from an addiction. However, several apparent indications and symptoms might assist you in identifying any potential problems.
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Slight physical symptoms
Side effects may include minor changes in physical appearance that become obvious over time. For example, many types of drug usage are characterized by bloodshot or red eyes and pinpoint or dilated pupils. In addition, frequent abnormal puffiness and flushed or washed-out color might indicate drug addiction.
Many types of drug misuse cause minor behavioral changes that may be dismissed as “tics.” If you observe any of these symptoms, it indicates a hidden condition:
- Itching that persists in a specific location of the body
- Pulling down sleeves impulsively to conceal marks
- Speech is slurred
- Sniffing frequently
Overall Appearance
Long-term drug and alcohol misuse can cause severe changes in physical appearance. Because many medicines have appetite suppressants or other side effects, usage frequently results in noticeable weight changes.
Bodily changes such as unexpected weight loss or growth or a lack of interest in personal hygiene can also indicate substance addiction.
Loss of interest
Substance abuse hijacks the brain’s incentive system. Pay attention if someone starts to lose interest in activities they used to be very proud of or shows apathy toward those they value.
It can imply that they are devoting all their efforts to stoking their drug-using compulsion. Regularly missing events or failing to carry through on plans, as well as a lack of excitement or a waning of abilities, can all be signs of an underlying struggle.
Reclusive and private behavior
Substance abuse illnesses are often isolating. Users frequently feel shame and fear social censure; some substances can cause paranoia. This might make a person withdraw from their regular connections and become secretive. The following are examples of reclusive characteristics that indicate an addiction:
- Spending long lengths of time alone or in a room
- When they leave or enter their own space, they lock the door.
- When they are not at home, they do not share information about the locations or persons they visit.
- When questioned by those they typically trust, they shut down.
Erratic behavior
This characteristic is typically quite noticeable and a sign of most drug addictions. Depending on the drug, the high may be accompanied by exhilaration, paranoia, thoughts of power, or invulnerability. All of these feelings have the potential to push people toward careless behavior. In addition, the physical and mental pain that comes with withdrawal might cause unpredictable or violent conduct.
Drug misuse frequently amplifies co-occurring problems, such as depression or anxiety, with the consequences of one feeding off of the other. Therefore, dual diagnosis is essential for those dealing with these synergistic illnesses to heal effectively.
Mood swings
Many substances, particularly those abused, impair the user’s ability to control emotional input. This can manifest as abrupt sadness, great distress, impatience, or fury in situations where they were previously able to manage their moods successfully. It could be a symptom of drug addiction if a normally calm and collected individual appears hyper and manic or if an optimist experiences abrupt waves of sadness.
How to get rid of drug addiction
- Seek expert assistance. The path to recovery is complex for addicts, and it is always a good idea to take help from a reputed rehabilitation center or a medical expert when required. Structured programs can be of great help by providing a safe strategy to prevent relapses and sustain soberness.
- Surround yourself with better individuals who will be there for you.
- Find new interests because keeping yourself busy is the best approach to divert your attention away from what you want to use. Not only that but developing an exciting and satisfying pastime can help you rediscover joy and meaning in your life, as well as replace your old drug-free behaviors.
- Eat healthily because your overall health is significantly impacted by the food you eat. You’ll keep yourself fit both physically and psychologically if you maintain a good, balanced diet.
Wrapping up
Drug addiction is not a character’s fault or a sign of weakness, and overcoming the problem requires more than willpower. Abusing illegal or prescribed drugs can cause brain alterations, resulting in overwhelming cravings and a temptation to use, making abstinence appear to be an unachievable objective.
