5 Warning Signs of a Drug Addiction
According to the National Institute of Health, 10% of adults in the United States will struggle with addiction at some point.
Could addiction affect someone close to you? It's not always easy to tell.
That's why we've put together a quick and helpful list of five signs of addiction to keep an eye out for. So take a deep breath and keep reading, because this list could help you save your loved one.
1. Mood Swings
One of the key reasons why drugs are so addictive is because they fundamentally alter the brain chemistry of the user.
When a person takes their substance of choice, it targets their dopamine receptors, which are responsible for the intense feelings of pleasure and calm.
Over time, however, the brain gets used to these chemicals and requires them for mood regulation. Should a person abstain from drugs, they're prone to extreme emotional outbursts as well as prolonged periods of depression.
2. Increasingly Risky Behavior
Due to these extreme highs and lows, a person taking could be more likely to engage in activities that pose a danger to themselves or those around them.
These include things like driving drunk or high, engaging in unprotected sex, stealing to support their habit, or even getting violent. You can't take these behaviors lightly. They could have a permanent impact on people's lives.
If you're noticing riskier behavior, your best course of action is to look into drug addiction treatment. There are plenty of fantastic facilities, like this California Rehab Campus, that address not only the physical aspects of addiction but the emotional toll, too.
3. Drastic Physical Changes
Behavioral shifts aren't the only sign of drug addiction, however. You should also pay close attention to your loved one's physical appearance, as drug use can have some nasty side effects.
Changes to look out for include:
- Sudden weight loss or weight gain
- Poor skin
- Sores or scratches
- Missing or yellowed teeth
These changes can be abrupt and downright frightening. Sometimes, the user may not even recognize them or take extra steps to hide them.
4. Hiding Their Habits
One of the hardest parts about battling addiction is that addicts often realize they need drug addiction help. Yet they may feel too ashamed to reach out and ask for help.
Therefore, they're likely to keep using drugs in secret, furthering the downward spiral.
While it's always hard to spot this particular sign, it's good to stay alert about increasingly secretive behavior. For instance, a person may stop showing up to social events or they may avoid eye contact and specific answers.
5. Mysterious Money Issues
Drugs are as expensive as they are dangerous. Especially if a person has to maintain a habit to function throughout the day.
A person suffering from addiction may experience major money problems that come seemingly out of nowhere. As mentioned above, they may turn to stealing money from loved ones to support the habit.
These Are the Signs of Addiction You Can't Ignore
Addiction doesn't discriminate. Because it can affect anyone, it's all the more important to know what to look for. So make sure to keep your eyes peeled for these signs of addiction.
And if you do spot them, reach out to your loved one and offer help. A light in the darkness means the world to them.
For more information on addiction, make sure to check out the rest of our blog!