Signs And Symptoms Of Addiction

Signs of substance abuse and addiction may vary according to the addiction at hand. In order to determine the presence of addiction, one must know what to look for.

Signs And Symptoms Of Addiction

• A change in appetite is often one of the first symptoms associated with substance abuse or addiction. A noticeable increase or decrease in appetite may serve as a red flag for concerned friends and loved ones.

• Another symptom associated with addiction is a withdrawal from friends and relatives. You may notice the individual associating with a new group of peers. Other addicts will alienate themselves completely.

• Excessive and abnormal amounts of alone time in the bathroom or bedroom in addition to unexplained school or employment absences may prove as yet another warning sign. Take note of any aggression or defensiveness when the individual is confronted about these behaviors. 

• Wild mood swings, irritability and irrational behavior may indicate an issue with drugs or alcohol. Other behavioral and personality changes may include: stealing, lying, sneakiness, lack of concentration and focus, unexplained euphoria, violence and paranoia.

• Smells and clothing may be indicative of a substance abuse issue. Alcoholics will often attempt to cover the smell with mouth wash, mints and gum.

• Drug addicts who use needles to inject the substance will generally adorn garments with long sleeves to hide track marks and other red flags.

• Not every symptom will be easily spotted. Fortunately, addiction is not easily hidden. Keep your eyes and mind open.

Need Addiction Treatment  Help?

• If you or a loved one is struggling with an alcohol or narcotic addiction, Above it All Treatment Center is the place to call.

Teens On Drugs – What To Look For

If you suspect your teen is experimenting with drugs, you may be wondering which substances they are using and how access was obtained. The symptoms associated with drug use are many; ranging from slowed reactions to hallucinations or mood swings. Determining the type of drug and its use level will help in determining how best to address the situation.

Most Common

The most common substances obtained by teenagers are typically marijuana, prescription drugs and alcohol. Additional drugs, such as inhalants may easily be purchased from the neighborhood drug store. Perhaps the most dangerous of the substances listed above are prescription painkillers – often found at home, in medicine cabinets. These drugs are commonly prescribed to patients to address anxiety and pain issues, while later falling into the hands of curious teens.

Abuse Signs

As stated above, the symptoms associated with drug use typically depend on the type of substance being used. Teens using marijuana will often exhibit slower reaction times, red eyes. Teens who abuse painkillers may experience changes in personality or slurred speech. Hallucinogens such as mushrooms or LSD cause users to experience hallucinations. Cocaine and crystal meth use will commonly result in an inhibited appetite, rapid speech patterns and random bouts of sleepiness. Opiate use is commonly associated with “nodding off”; or falling asleep mid-sentence.

Addiction vs. Experimentation

The occasional user must be dealt with differently that the full-blown addict. Some teens may only smoke pot or drink at house parties, or experiment a few times before realizing it’s just not their thing. Once use habits become more consistent, teens run the risk of becoming addicted.

Treatment Options

12 step recovery programs for addicted teens are readily available. If you suspect your teen of a drug or alcohol addiction, our team Above It All team of addiction counselors is ready and able to help. Give us a call today, and let us help your kid back on track towards the healthy, happy and productive lifestyle they deserve.

Prescription Drug Addiction – Warning Signs

When it comes to prescription drug use, it can be difficult to recognize the signs of addiction. Though many people utilize these substances to help cope with severe pain and discomfort, it can be easy for users to slip into a spiral of abuse and dependency. There are a variety of telltale signs to note, when addiction is suspected. In this entry, we will seek to inform and education our readers on some of the behaviors and signs to look for.

Missing Meds

One of the most commons signs associated with prescription drug addiction is missing medications. Addicts will often steal medications from the cabinets of friends and family members in addition to over-the-counter drugs. If you suspect your loved one of a prescription drug addiction, it is best to remove and hide all medications.

Doctors Visits

As the medication supply begins to dwindle, addicts will begin seeking out multiple physicians in an effort to appease their habit. Increased doctors visits are a common warning sign that an addiction may be present.

Altered Sleep Habits

One of the major signs associated with prescription drug addiction is disrupted sleep habits. Due to the fact that many prescription medications contain one or more sleep agents, addicts will often experience altered sleep cycles, whether deprivation or excess.

Alcohol Consumption

Increased alcohol consumption is yet another warning sign to watch for. Depending on which medication the individual prefers, the addict may utilize alcohol to help maintain a proper sleep schedule, while attempting to promote a comfortable “come down”.

Mood Swings

As with most drugs, prescription drug addiction can often result in wild mood swings and irritability. Day-to-day issues that might otherwise be brushed aside will commonly result in tantrums, fits of rage, and hostility.

Need Help?

If you or someone you love is struggling with a prescription drug addiction, our prescription drug treatment center is the place to call. Pick up the phone today, and let our team of addiction specialists help you back on track towards the happy, healthy, and fulfilling life you deserve.