Drug abuse and addiction are some of the biggest challenges facing the modern healthcare system today. Despite the tremendous amount of research that has been done in these fields, drug abuse and addiction continue to tear countless families apart. For this reason, it is important for everyone to know the signs of addiction. The earlier that someone can spot the signs that someone is having trouble, the sooner addiction treatment can begin. This can make a tremendous difference in someone’s recovery process. With this goal in mind, there are a few common signs that everyone should remain on the lookout for.
1. Taking a Medication When it is No Longer Needed
The first sign that people need to watch for is someone who continues to take a drug or medication after it is no longer needed. Even though recreational drugs, such as marijuana and cocaine, get a lot of attention, some of the most commonly abused medications are actually prescription drugs. These drugs are often prescribed for a short period of time following a surgical procedure or injury for pain control purposes. After someone has healed, he or she may continue to take these medications. This is a sign that addiction is forming. He or she is taking a medication that is not needed because he or she might be addicted to it. Anyone who is engaging in this behavior might be suffering from drug abuse.
2. Physical Sign of Drug Abuse: Development of Tolerance While Taking a Medication
Another common sign of drug abuse is something called tolerance. If someone has developed a tolerance, he or she needs to take more of a substance to experience the same effects. One of the reasons why these medications are so addictive is the effects that they produce. Some medications can cause someone to feel high, which is a feeling of euphoria. This feeling can be addictive. As a result, people will chase it, even if it means taking more of a drug a van was previously needed. Tolerance is one of the marquee sign that someone has developed a problem and drug abuse. Anyone who is taking more and more of a substance to achieve the same effects may have a problem with addiction.
3. Disruption of One’s Personal and Professional Life
Next, those who have developed a problem or drug abuse often disrupt their personal and professional lives in tremendous ways in an effort to obtain more of a substance. This substance becomes their primary focus. People will steal from family members and friends in an effort to get enough money to purchase more of the drug. In addition, people will often skip out on work obligations to acquire more of the addictive substance. This can lead to serious employment problems which only further strain relationships with family members and friends. If drugs rise to the top of someone’s priority list, this is a marquee sign of drug addiction.
4. Losing Interest in Activities
Those who have developed a drug addiction will also lose interest in the activities that once brought a lot of enjoyment. So of the most common hobbies that people have include music, sports, and hanging out with friends. Those who have developed a problem with addiction more often put all of these to the side and effort to feed their addiction. This can lead to serious mental health problems, including depression, as a result. Anyone who is pushing multiple pleasurable activities to the side may be focusing on drugs and alcohol instead.
5. Feelings of Guilt
Finally, those who have developed a problem with drugs will also have feelings of guilt. While they might not openly admit it, they know that it’s wrong. This is demonstrated in the numerous lies that they tell to cover up their habit. They will hide their drug use and come up with stories about what they’re doing and where they’re going when they go to buy drugs. The tremendous lengths that people go to in order to hide their drug habit demonstrate feelings of guilt. Anyone engaging in this behavior needs help.
Seek Professional Help for Problems with Drug Addiction
Anyone who is showing any of the signs above might be having an issue with drug abuse and addiction. It is possible for someone to overcome an addiction to drugs or alcohol; however, they need the support of family members, friends, and trained professionals. Footprints of Serenity is a team of drug and alcohol interventionists in Los Angeles. This is a unique, luxury program that combines innovative, modern therapies with tried and true traditional treatment methods. This approach has already helped countless clients overcome substance abuse for good and get their lives back on track. To learn more about Footprints of Serenity, contact us.