Abuse and Drug Addiction
Abuse and drug addiction. What is it and how can loved ones seek the help they need and know the signs to look for? Addiction and abuse affects individuals from various walks of life. No matter what their socioeconomic status. For whatever reason when a person starts to use drugs they build a tolerance and a dependency on the drug quickly. Before they realize it, they are addicted. When it becomes a full blown addiction it is very hard to cease and stop the use.
In order to break free from the bondage of addiction it requires support and help from others. Addiction and drug use creates havoc on the body and your mind. It will eventually end up killing you. If you have an addiction or know someone who does, it is vital that you seek the necessary help immediately. Abuse and addiction have very noticeable symptoms and signs.
Abuse and Drug Addiction
How It Starts
Most addicts start off just experimenting with drugs in a social setting. Then after a period of time the use starts to become more and more frequent. The rate at which addiction speeds up depends on the drug. Some are more addictive than others.
Soon the addict needs larger and larger doses to get the feeling of being high. Many must take it just to feel normal. The thought of going without the drug sends some into panic and causes extreme anxiety. An addict my have very intense cravings and even feel ill physically. This is called having withdraw symptoms.
Abuse and Drug Addiction
The Signs
Very common symptoms and behaviors associated with addiction include the following:
- The feeling that one must use regularly. This may be daily or many times throughout the day.
- Having very intense desire and urges to use the drug.
- Over a short period of time one finds themselves needing more and more to get the desired effect.
- Making very certain that at all times you have a supply of your drug on you.
- Spending a lot of money on your drug. You cannot afford it but you must have it still.
- Not able to meet work duties and meetings. You find your cutting back on time with friends and social obligations.
- You find that your doing compromising things in order to get your drug that you never could have imagined you would ever do.
- Driving under the influence.
- Focusing all of your time and effort on getting your drug of choice.
- Failing repeatedly in attempts to stop using.
- Experiencing severe withdrawal when attempting to stop use.
Abuse and Drug Addiction
How to Recognize addiction in other family members
Often times it is very difficult to tell the difference between a moody teen and one that is under the influence of drugs. The following are indications that your teen or another family member may be using drugs.
- Problems begin to surface (school or work).Your teen is missing school frequently and not turning in homework. He or she has a sudden disinterest in school or work activities.
- Physical healthThere is a complete lack of any energy and motivation.
- Neglecting appearanceThere is a total lack of any interest in the way they look as far as clothes, hygiene and grooming.
- Change in behaviorThere are efforts made that are exaggerated to keep other family members away from their room. They are very secretive about who they are going out with and where. Their peer group changes.
- Spending a lot of moneyYou start to get many sudden demands for cash. You get little to no reason why they need it. You start to see that money is missing and items from the house. This is a pretty good indicator that it is being used to support the addiction.
Abuse and Drug Addiction
Seek the Help you need today
Understand our unique approach to helping those struggling with addiction and dependency issues. As a women in recovery, a parent and a therapist, We feel very well qualified to see from all angles. If your unsure about a loved one, contact us and let’s talk.