Are you worried that a loved one may be struggling with addiction to illicit substances?
Fortunately, over 22 million Americans have conquered the adversity of substance abuse and gone on to lead lives of recovery.
Addiction can be a complicated and overwhelming experience. Still, the more you know about it, the sooner you can get help.
This article will discuss all you need to know about addiction signs and symptoms to look for. By understanding these addiction signs and symptoms, you can take proactive steps to help your loved one get support on their journey to recovery.
Physical: Addiction Signs and Symptoms
Addiction can manifest itself in a variety of physical symptoms. If you suspect someone you know may be struggling with addiction, it’s essential to recognize these addiction signs and symptoms.
Changes in Appearance and Hygiene
Some telltale signs of drug abuse are when your loved one stops caring for themselves. They might stop brushing their teeth, showering, or changing their clothes. Often, individuals may appear messy or unkept and not seem to care.
Remember that hygiene changes can also signify depression or other mental health issues.
Changes in Sleep Patterns and Energy Levels
People struggling with addiction may experience increased periods of restlessness, insomnia, and excessive drowsiness during the day. Changes in sleep patterns can lead to a lack of motivation, fatigue, and irritability.
Unexplained Weight Loss or Gain
Addiction can interfere with a person’s appetite and cause them to lose weight due to malnourishment or gain weight due to overeating. These fluctuations in weight may be sudden and noticeable. The person may not be able to provide a reasonable explanation for the changes.
Behavioral Signs of Addiction
Besides physical symptoms, addiction can change a person’s behavior. These behavioral changes may be subtle at first, but they can become more apparent as addiction takes hold.
Increased Secrecy and Isolation
People struggling with addiction may become more secretive about their activities and whereabouts. They may isolate themselves from family and friends and avoid social interactions.
Changes in Social Circles and Activities
Pay attention if they begin to associate with a new group of friends or engage in different activities than before. They may also stop participating in activities they used to enjoy or attend social events.
Problems at Work, School, or Home
People with addiction may forget to do things they need, like turn in their work on time or get to school or work when they are supposed to.
They may have trouble concentrating or seem forgetful, leading to poor performance in their job or academic pursuits. They may neglect household responsibilities at home or have difficulty maintaining personal relationships.
Psychological: Addiction Signs and Symptoms
Besides physical and behavioral symptoms, addiction can also affect mental health. Here are some common psychological signs and symptoms of addiction:
Changes in Mood and Personality
People with addiction might get angry quickly. They might seem disconnected from those around them. They may also experience mood swings, going from happy to sad or angry without warning.
Increased Anxiety or Depression
Increased anxiety or depression is another psychological symptom of addiction. Addiction can lead to changes in brain chemistry that can cause feelings of anxiety or depression, even in people who have never experienced these conditions before.
These feelings can worsen when the individual cannot access the substance to which they are addicted.
Cravings and Obsessive Thinking
Individuals with addiction may experience intense cravings for whatever they’re addicted to. And that can lead to obsessive thinking about when and how they will get their next fix.
A preoccupation with obtaining and using drugs or other substances can interfere with their ability to focus on other things.
Understanding the Stages of Addiction
Addiction is a complex disease that often progresses through several stages. And it’s a little easier to treat if you catch it in an early stage. Here is a breakdown of the different stages of addiction:
Experimentation
During this initial stage, an individual may try a substance out of curiosity or peer pressure. They may use the substance occasionally, but they do not experience any negative consequences due to their use.
Regular Use
As the individual continues to use the substance, they begin to do so on a more regular basis. It becomes their coping mechanism. They may feel like they need it to feel “normal” or cope with stress.
Risky Use
At this stage, the individual’s substance use begins interfering with daily life. They may experience negative consequences such as problems at work, school, or home. They may also engage in risky behaviors while under the influence of the substance.
Dependence
In this stage, the individual has developed a physical and/or psychological dependence on the substance. They may experience withdrawal symptoms if they try to stop using and may find it difficult to control their use.
Addiction
At this final stage, the individual’s substance use has taken over their life. They may become preoccupied with obtaining and using the substance and cannot function without it. They can also experience serious health problems due to their addiction.
Recognizing Early Stages
Recognizing the stages of addiction can be helpful for loved ones who want to provide appropriate support.
In the early stages of addiction, it may be easier to intervene and prevent the addiction from progressing further. But, the addiction may need more intensive treatment and support as it becomes more severe.
By understanding the stages of addiction, you can better understand what your loved one may be going through. It’s a complex disease that can be difficult to manage alone.
Encouraging your loved one to seek professional help and offering your support throughout their recovery can make a significant difference in their ability to overcome it.
How to Approach a Loved One About Their Addiction
Approaching a loved one about their addiction can be difficult and emotional. However, it is important to address the issue and offer support. Here are some tips for having a productive conversation with your loved one:
- Choose the right time and place: Pick a time and place where your loved one is sober and in a calm and receptive state of mind.
- Use “I” statements: Use “I” statements to express your concern and how their addiction is affecting you, rather than blaming or accusing them.
- Listen without judgment: Listen to your loved one without judgment or interrupting. Allow them to express themselves and share their thoughts and feelings.
- Offer specific examples: Share how their addiction has affected you or others.
- Provide support: Offer your support and encourage your loved one to seek professional help.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Approaching your loved one about their addiction can be tricky. You have to do it with care, or it could backfire. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when having this difficult conversation:
- Scare tactics: Don’t attempt to scare your loved one into getting help. This can cause resentment or push them further away from seeking help.
- Blaming or accusing: Blaming or accusing your loved one will likely make them defensive and less receptive to your concerns.
- Minimizing or denying the problem: Minimizing or denying the problem can enable your loved one’s addiction and prevent them from seeking help.
- Ignoring the problem: Ignoring the problem can lead to further harm and damage to your loved one’s health and relationships.
Importance of Listening and Offering Support
Approach the conversation with empathy and understanding. Listen to your loved one’s perspective and offer your support. Offer to help them find people and places that can give them support.
Remember that recovery is a journey. Your loved one may take time and patience to achieve long-term recovery.
Final Thought
If you suspect a loved one is battling addiction, remember that there is hope. Addiction may seem overwhelming, but understanding its signs and symptoms is critical to seeking timely help!