You cannot address addiction and offer help when you lack knowledge about drug abuse and addiction. With the right information and knowledge about addiction, it will also be possible to know the signs and symptoms and identify an addict before taking any step. Understanding the symptoms of drug addiction will also make it possible to formulate or find the right treatment plan for the patient. Highlighted below are the symptoms of drug addiction you should know.
Loss of Interest
Take note when someone or your loved one starts becoming complacent with things they used to enjoy and take pride in. If your loved one loses interest in activities or things that have always made them happy and proud, it is a sign to look out for. This can also be a lack of enthusiasm for such activities or hobbies, especially when it involves other people. Loss of interest can extend to the diet and desire to eat healthily.
It should also be concerning when they lose interest in dressing and grooming, especially when going out. These signs only show they are funneling their energy and concentration towards the impulse to use drugs. This also shows the underlying struggles with the drugs that need checking.
Mood Swings
Mood swings are among the noticeable symptoms of drug use and addiction. Most of the drugs and substances abused to make it hard for the users to manage their emotional input. This makes them moody, easily upset, and angry at all times. It also becomes hard to reason and work with a person experiencing mood swings. The condition can get worse, especially when there is heavy use of drugs and substances. When a normally calm, considerate, and reasonable individual seems manic, stressed, hyper, or unusually isolated, this should concern you as it could be a sign of drug abuse or addiction.
Defensive Behavior
If a loved one starts acting defensive or rather withdrawn, especially when uncomfortable topics arise, that can be a sign to look out for. Responding with hostility or a sense of wariness, especially when found in the wrong, could also be a concerning sign. An individual trying to hide addiction will try to distract and redirect conversation using arguments, showing aggressiveness, and other defensive behaviors. It will be hard to understand what an individual is up to when they express such defensive and erratic behavior.
Extreme Changes in Sleep Patterns
To a larger extent, drug abuse and addiction will have a bigger toll on the user’s sleep patterns. The stimulants and elements of depressants in these drugs and substances alter an individual’s hormonal activities, leading to wakefulness and tiredness. When this trend continues, there will also be changes in sleeping patterns. When you visit https://www.myrecoverycorps.com/ , you will learn about the major drug addiction symptoms, including changes in sleep and why they should concern you. You should also note that an addicted person will find it hard to concentrate on specific tasks or lose focus with every little distraction. This is due to lack of sleep caused by continued abuse of drugs and addiction.
Developing Unhealthy Relationships
When your loved one starts abusing drugs, they will start looking for easier ways to access them. This will mean changing company or association and start interacting and dealing with other drug users and addicts. You will notice that they prefer to hang out with a specific group of people and at a specific time and place. By creating these relationships, they also get gratification and validation for what they use and do. This is a sign you should look out for and help you know if your loved one is an addict.
Gaining relevant knowledge is among the best ways to fight drug addiction. When you gain knowledge, you also get to understand the signs and symptoms of addiction. It will be possible to offer the right help to a loved one when you identify these signs and symptoms early.