The holiday season reunites families from all over the world, giving an amazing opportunity to share stories and experiences from the passed year. While it is a time of celebration, it is also the best moment to pay attention to the well-being of your loved ones. With over 10% of Americans having reported a substance use disorder in 2020, the prevalance even exceeds the one of diabetes. The progress of addiction can be slow and hidden, especially as the use of certain drugs, such as alcohol, have a high level of social acceptance. In this article we will guide you through the signs of addiction to watch for in your loved ones and outline steps you can take to help them.
Common Signs of Addiction
While the signs of addiction can vary from person to person, there are common indicators that may suggest that someone is suffering with substance use. An addiction can occur with various substances, such as alcohol, cocaine or even over-the-counter medications. For clarity and inclusion, we will use the term „substance“ to refer to any addictive drug in the following.
- Using larger amounts over a longer period than intended. For example, a person might continue using prescription pain medicine well beyond the duration originally prescribed by their doctor.
- Repeated unsuccessful attempt to stop the use of the substance.
- A significant amount of time spent obtaining, using, or recovering from the substance. This can also show by giving up social or leisure activites up due to usage.
- The use of the substance has a negative social or work affects, such as failure to uphold appointments or obligations.
- Continued use despite awareness of the adverse consequences. The individual persists in using the substance despite knowing its harmful effects on their health and social life.
- Tolerance development. The person needs increasingly larger amounts of the substance to achieve the same effects previously obtained with smaller amounts.
- Development of withdrawal signs when stopping the use of the substance. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and are a physical manifestation of dependency.
What to Do When Addiction Signs Are Present
Realizing that addiction signs are present is the most important step on the path to recovery. If you have observed that any of the above points apply to your friends or loved ones, it is the best opportunity to help them. Please always remember, addiction is a disease, just like diabetes or heart attacks. Therefore, it is important to approach the subject without any blame. Just as with other diseases, there is a variety of specialist available to help fighting addiction. After all, you would not try to treat a serious health condition like a stroke by yourself. Similarily, professional help is essential when dealing with a substance use disorder as well.
It’s important to choose a treatment center that acknowledges the unique circumstances of the individual. With over 17,000 drug treatment facilities in the United States, finding the right one can seem daunting. Here at Detox to Rehab we are committed to provide you with the best help we can. By calling our treatment helpline at 866-578-7471 today, you are giving our specialist the opportunity to help you or your loved ones. Our caring staff will listen to your situation and provide all the necessary information, advice, and guidance you need.
Take action! Do not let addiction claim more lives. Take the first step and make a difference!
Sources
- State of Wyoming: Substance Use Disorder
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: NIDA IC Fact Sheet 2024
- Diabetes.org: Facts about diabetes
