Are you close to someone who may be showing signs of a substance use disorder? Addiction may come from abusing alcohol, depressants, inhalants, hallucinogens, heroin, or stimulants for a long period of time. Teens and adults with mental health issues are at high risk for drug and alcohol addiction. Thankfully, there are some telltale signs of alcohol or drug addiction that you can look out for to help your loved one. Learn here symptoms and signs of substance use disorders.
Introduction
Substance abuse indirectly and directly affects more than half our population. Individuals who suffer from substance abuse disorders leave behind family, friends, and others that are also affected by the user’s addiction. With the increasing stressors of life, individuals use alcohol or other drugs as a way to cope with these stressors or to deal with pain. There are many factors to an individual’s substance use disorder.
When looking for an addiction treatment program for you or your loved one, you want to find what will work best for their needs. You may want to consider making a treatment plan for your loved one by talking with an addiction counselor. The first step to getting sober is entering a drug detox center to get the substances out of your system. All American Detox is considered one of the best inpatient drug rehab centers in Los Angeles due to its ability to maximize care for its patients. You can call them today at (844) 570-1301.
Substance Use Statistics:
- In 2017, there were 19.7 million reports of drug addiction
- 74% of these individuals also used alcohol in combination with their drug use
- More than 8.5 million individuals suffer from dual diagnosis
Below, we will explain substance use disorders and break down the warning signs of drug abuse for adults and teens.
What is a substance use disorder?
A substance use disorder generally occurs after a long period of drug or alcohol use. If your life revolves around the substance, you have been abusing, you may have a substance use disorder. You will be completely dependent on the substance of choice mentally as well as physically.
What causes addiction? There are oftentimes a variety of factors that may lead to abusing drugs or alcohol such as
- Genetics or generational addiction
- Chaotic home environment
- Abuse in the home or domestic
- Parent with addiction/ living with parents who are addicted to drugs or alcohol
- Peer pressure
- School problems
- Lack of community resources
- Mental illnesses
Drug and alcohol dependence affects many aspects of our lives such as the way we socialize, who we socialize with, our jobs, our home lives, and most importantly our health. Our teens may be developmentally impacted by drug or alcohol abuse and adults may even suffer from permanent health problems.
Signs of substance use disorder
Discovering that your loved one may have an addiction to drugs or alcohol can be heartbreaking but knowing the signs of substance use disorder may help you when wanting to get your loved one help. If you see the individual showing warning signs of drug or alcohol abuse, it may be time to start looking into substance abuse programs.
Physical symptoms of substance abuse:
- Bloodshot eyes
- Enlarged pupils
- Appetite changes
- Sleep pattern changes
- Physical appearance deteriorating
- Runny nose
- Sudden weight loss or weight gain
- Tremors
- Slurred speech
- Odors on breath or the body
Behavioral symptoms of substance abuse:
- Relationship problems
- Secret behavior or seeming as though they are hiding something
- Possible legal trouble from usage
- Neglecting normal responsibilities
- Changes in friends or hobbies
- Financial problems or stealing money to use
- Drunk driving
- High or increasing tolerance
- Using to relieve symptoms
Psychological signs of substance abuse:
- Acting fearful, anxious, or paranoid
- Decreased motivation
- Spurs of energy or nervousness
- Mood swings or angry outbursts
- Change in personality, attitude, or outlook on life
These are the symptoms and signs of substance use disorder. It’s also important to know that when dealing with someone who has an addiction to substances, you should come to them as calming and patient as possible. When you approach someone struggling with addiction in an aggressive manner, it’s possible this will further push the individual struggling away from seeking treatment.
Drug Detox Center – All American Detox
All America Detox is a luxury inpatient and detox drug rehab center in Los Angeles, California. The staff at All American Detox all have more than 30 years of experience working with substance abuse individuals. This detox center keeps their staff at around 24 members, and only takes 6 patients at a time so you know you are getting the best care.
Conclusion
Recognizing you have a problem with drugs or alcohol is truly the first step when entering the recovery process. Accepting help and going to treatment takes a lot of courage, determination, and patience and is very commendable. Overcoming addiction is possible with the right help and support. Finding support such as family, close friends, other individuals in recovery is essential when going through the motions of living sober.
Citations
Addiction treatment services Los Angeles CA: Drug rehab services. All American Detox. (2022, January 28). Retrieved February 2, 2022, from https://allamericandetox.com/treatment-services/.