Substance abuse can affect more than just one person. It can hurt the entire family. This guide will provide you with the major signs of substance abuse.
Some people may keep their addiction struggles below the radar. This can be due to the fact that they may face shame and disappointment. However, if there are concerns regarding substance abuse, you need to know the signs.
If someone in your family needs help, check out more information via the New Waters Recovery official website. In this battle against substance abuse in your family, you’re not alone. Let’s get started with the major signs you need to identify.
Table of Contents
1. Appearance that is neglected
You know your family members better than anyone. You know exactly what they look like and what their usual appearance is. If you notice major changes that appear to be neglected, this can be a cause for concern.
You may want to not ignore this and start asking them if they’re OK. They may have a lack of interest in grooming themselves as well as dressing or looking their best. While it might not be a sign of substance abuse at first, it can be a sign that things may not be going well for them.
2. You notice changes in behavior
Behavior changes will occur frequently with substance abuse. One such behavior is they tend to be more secretive than normal. They may even make efforts to keep you out of their personal space (i.e – their bedroom).
They may not discuss anything regarding the people they’re hanging out with, where they are going, and so on. They may also act differently than normal towards family or friends. It can even get to a point where the relationship between you and this family member may be strained.
The reality is that because such relationships are strained, it doesn’t mean they can’t be fixed. This is one good reason why the member of your family struggling with addiction should get help now rather than later. You can do your part in becoming part of their support system.
3. They are dealing with financial issues
Money problems can be common. However, there are some specific signs of issues you need to look out for. One such example is that a member of your family may be asking for money all of a sudden.
They will refuse to provide an explanation. You may also notice money that may be missing along with items from your home. Those dealing with addiction may commit acts of theft so they can sell the items to acquire drugs.
If the member of your family does not live at home, they may find a way to break inside your house to steal items. Regardless, the financial issues they face may lead to desperate measures to help satisfy their addiction.
You don’t want them to have a criminal record hanging over their head. This can affect their life when they are trying to look for a job or even seek financial aid for education. Do your part to help them get the treatment they need so they can live a happy, fulfilling life.
4. Issues at school or work
This includes frequent tardiness, a decline in performance, and a sudden disinterest in their work or education. They may feel like they have better things to do. The reality is that drugs are not the best thing to do over going to work or studying.
This may result in them losing their jobs or even failing out of school. Unfortunately, these events related to substance abuse can hurt them in the future. Even if they recover from their addiction, they may face the long-standing consequences of what had occurred before their treatment.
They will need to explain why they were fired from their past job. They may try to go back to school and may have a hard time acquiring financial aid. These are more reasons why you’ll want that member of your family to get help now rather than never at all.
5. Changes in physical health
A member of your family will undergo changes in their physical health. You may notice a loss or gain of weight. They may have red, bloodshot eyes on a constant basis.
They may look like they’re sick all the time. Substance abuse can be known to depress the immune system. For this reason, they may have a higher chance at developing illnesses or infections.
If they take on an appearance that looks way different than normal, it may be time to make sure whether or not substance abuse is playing a role. The sooner you take care of the issue, the better. They may be closer to a serious health issue or even death.
You’ll want to act sooner rather than never. The decision not to act may be one you’ll come to regret sooner or later.
6. Signs of intoxication
You will need to identify the intoxication. This will depend on the drug substances they are using. For example, you may notice slurred speech and erratic actions if a person is dealing with alcohol intoxication.
You may also notice signs of red, bloodshot eyes, increased paranoia, a decrease in coordination, and others. The signs of intoxication will vary from one substance to the next. Regardless, it may be time to have them get the help they need.
Final Thoughts
Substance abuse can affect a family in more ways than you think. If you know someone in your family dealing with it, you’ll want to make sure they get the help they need. It may take time since you will want to identify the major signs of substance abuse.
You may risk misidentification. However, you may need to watch for other signs to make the connection. Once you are able to make a confirmation, you’ll want to intervene.
Taking the right action will save their life. They will thank you one day for stepping in. Be sure to do your part to help your family member get the treatment they need.
