Addiction affects the lives of millions of people all over the globe. While the reasons why people begin using a particular substance or behavior to cope with their lives are different based on gender—and some of the types of physiological and psychological effects are also different—addiction can strike anyone regardless of gender, age, social standing, education, race, religion, cultural background or financial prosperity. Addiction truly is a disease that knows no limits when choosing its victims.
Complicating the treatment of addiction is the fact that many people also have other mental health issues and physical health concerns that can complicate the diagnosis and treatment of their addictions. With all of the grave consequences that addiction can come with, it becomes essential for people to learn about and be able to recognize the signs of drug abuse. Call 844.413.2690 to speak with someone from the knowledgeable and compassionate team at The Arbor Behavioral Healthcare about drug abuse signs and our addiction treatment programs in Texas.
Signs of Drug Abuse
The signs of drug abuse vary widely and can be insignificant to evident. One of the main problems in identifying drug abuse and other addictions is that the addicts often become quite adept at hiding their addiction and manipulating those around them to continue to obtain and use the substance.
Each drug has its specific characteristics that can be signs of use, but some general signs of drug use commonly result from any addiction, such as:
- Changes in behavior
- Changes in the persons the individual are hanging out with
- Differences in performance at work or school
- Mood swings—going from happy and carefree to extremely irritable or even violent the next
- Withdrawal from family members
- Being careless about personal grooming or housekeeping habits
- Loss of interest in hobbies, sports, and other favorite activities
- Changes in regular sleeping pattern
- Red or glassy eyes
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Uneven pupils
- Odd smells on the person’s clothing or in their car or room
- Secretive behavior
- Paranoia—accusing others of watching or being out to get them
- Sudden suspicion or disregard for laws and customs
- A newfound sense of disrespect for law enforcement or drug control efforts
- An embrace of counterculture attitudes
- Forgetfulness and the inability to recall recent events
- Becoming undependable and unreliable
- Incoherent speech or rambling thoughts
These can all be symptoms of drug abuse, but other events and phenomena can also explain them. Suppose someone suspects that a friend, family member, or co-worker has a substance abuse problem. In that case, the critical thing to do is to talk with that person in a non-confrontational manner and urge them to receive help and treatment for addiction.
How Addiction Treatment Can Help
Drug abuse signs are often a result of the physical, mental, and emotional damage that addiction causes. Professional addiction treatment focuses on more than just the signs of drug abuse—it seeks to get to the root cause of why someone has begun using drugs to address it head-on and help them develop skill sets and coping mechanisms for living a sober life. Sometimes, seeking professional help can lead to uncovering co-occurring conditions, such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Treating these conditions in tandem with the signs of drug abuse can significantly increase the success rate of addiction recovery and allow people to get better control over their lives.
Find Addiction Treatment in Texas at The Arbor Behavioral Healthcare
The Arbor Behavioral Healthcare runs a premier addiction treatment center in Austin, Texas. Our knowledgeable and compassionate team members, certified through the state of Texas and members of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), provide comprehensive treatment for our clients struggling with addiction. Contact The Arbor today at 844.413.2690 to learn more about our addiction treatment options in Texas.