Drug addiction may come suddenly and without warning. For concerned loved ones, it is alarming to see someone lose their footing and fall into the pitfall of drug addiction. It can be a very deep and dark well that will take a lot of strength and courage to get out of, but with the right support system, it can be possible to get them back.
Signs of Drug Addiction
If you suspect that someone close to you may be suffering from drug addiction, it’s important that you keep a keen eye out for them. You can only do so much to protect them from their actions and decisions, but now more than ever, they need someone who will be there to give them a helping hand. Read on to find out about some telling signs of drug addiction that you should watch out for. As soon as you observe any or all of these things, consider getting into action and getting them into rehab for recovery.
Increased Dependence
The opioid problem has gotten so much worse over the years in the country that it’s become one of the leading causes of death. The problem is that drug addiction is no longer stemming from illegal recreational drugs, but legal, medically prescribed medication.
Pain killers, for example, are among the leading causes of drug addiction. People who used to be perfectly fine and functional may develop a health condition or get into an accident that requires them to take certain painkillers. The ingredients in these medicines are inherently addicting, however, which is why they should ideally be monitored and dispensed strictly and only with a doctor’s prescription.
In some cases, however, the patient becomes immediately hooked to the pleasant sensations of the drugs that they become dependent on. Without realizing it, they are popping pills more than they should in a day.
When they run out of supply and the withdrawal kicks in, that’s the time you should start being concerned. They will most likely be discreet about it, however. It’s possible that they may feel ashamed about this dependence, or they’re worried you might cut off their supply completely. You have to be careful how you approach this scenario, because you could easily be turned into the villain–which you are not–and so end up only further isolating them from you.
Lies and Secrecy
Because they do not want you to know about their new habit, expect that they will resort to any type of techniques that will prevent you from finding out the truth. They will lie to your face, come up with excuses and stories, if only to prevent you from finding them out.
Secrecy becomes such a crucial element that feeds their addiction because it is through this secrecy that they can continue doing what they want to do. Unfortunately, that is to keep using the drugs they are hooked to. They may increasingly become withdrawn, no longer interested in hobbies or activities they used to be passionate about. They may also stop coming to social gatherings, either to prevent people from asking unwanted questions about their state or because they are not sober enough to make it to the event.
Physical Deterioration
Another telling sign that’s impossible to ignore is the changes in their physical appearance. Sudden weight loss, dark circles under the eyes, dry and brittle hair and skin, appearance overall, and poor personal hygiene are all indicative of substance abuse.
Keep in mind also that prescription drugs could be mere gateways to stronger drugs. So make sure to take note of any needle marks in their extremities to clue you in if they have graduated on to other drugs. With these signs, you should know when it’s best to start acting to give them the help they need. Read more for more tips on helping an addicted loved one by sending them to a rehab facility.
