Depending on the severity, a healthcare provider may offer medications to lessen the effects of withdrawal symptoms, as they can be rough physically and mentally. Social, emotional and mental isolation are common signs that someone needs help for a drug or alcohol addiction. People who face a substance use disorder may isolate themselves from their partners, friends or family members to keep their addiction a secret.
The Importance of Early Intervention & Treatment
By approaching the situation with compassion, and seeking professional help and support, you can play a vital role in helping your loved one on their path to recovery. Maintaining open lines of communication, expressing concern, and seeking professional help are crucial steps to address the impact of drug use on relationships. It’s important to approach the situation with compassion and empathy, understanding that addiction is a complex issue that requires support and understanding. It’s crucial to note that untreated emotional instability or irritability caused by drug use can lead to self-harm or harm towards others. Therefore, do not hesitate to contact medical professionals or emergency services if you feel your loved one is in immediate danger. When taken as directed for a limited time, opioids are not likely to lead to addiction.
Let’s Start a Conversation
This may be because they got caught in possession of a drug, they were selling it, or they may drive while intoxicated and hurt someone. Your loved one may become defensive when asked about where they’ve been, what they’ve been doing, or who they’ve been hanging out with. They may especially become defensive if you ask them about drugs or addiction. People who inject drugs will have marks or small wounds, usually on their arms.
Physical Symptoms and Health Problems
However, some common characteristics include personality or attitude changes; sudden weight gain or loss; exhibiting anger, irritability, hyperactivity, agitation, or emotional outbursts; and more. Treatment may involve an inpatient or outpatient program depending on each person’s situation. When they first use a drug, people may perceive what seem to be positive effects. Some people may start to feel the need to take more of a drug or take it more often, even in the early stages of their drug use. Symptoms of substance use disorder vary widely from person to person and may include physical, psychological, or behavioral signs.
- Signs and symptoms of use include increased body temperature, poor coordination, dizziness, excessive sweating, clenched teeth, and slurred speech.
- You’ll need to detox again and restart your treatment cycle from the beginning.
- Addiction makes it hard to follow even self-prescribed rules.
It’s crucial to note that long-term drug use can cause permanent damage to the brain, so early intervention is key. Encourage your loved one to seek professional help and treatment as soon as possible. An increasing problem, prescription drug abuse can affect all age groups, including teens.
The type of drug prescribed depends on many factors, including the phase of treatment a person is in. The fifth edition (DSM-5) was published in 2013 and changed the terminology from substance abuse, addiction, and alcoholism to Substance Use Disorder (SUD), which encompasses both drugs and alcohol. Each person responds differently, and reactions are hard to predict. Many people who are directed to go to the emergency department may not have any physical signs signs of drug use of poisoning.
- It’s important to note that mood swings alone may not confirm drug use, but they can be indicative of a problem that needs further exploration.
- The signs and symptoms of abuse for specific substances are outlined below.
- Know that doctors and other medical professionals will NOT turn you into the police or “tell» on you. They’re only there to help, so do not hesitate to go to the hospital or take a loved one.
- One of the noticeable behavioral signs of drug use is the occurrence of sudden and unexplained mood swings.
There are both physical and behavioral clues that someone might be experiencing a problem with substance use. None of them is definitive, and there may be many other causes, but the presence of multiple signs merits special consideration. On the physical side, a sustained neglect of personal appearance, poor hygiene, and listlessness may be signs. Bloodshot or glazed eyes and slurred or rambling speech can result from drug use. Sweating, body tremors, or even vomiting can be signs, as can weight loss or gain.