The thought of substance abuse and addiction in your home is a nightmare. But for many families and individuals, a loved one suspected of abusing drugs is very much a reality. When you have someone close to you that is struggling with drug addiction it’s important to get them help as soon as possible – you’ll find out more about a suboxone clinic in the woodlands, by clicking the link. But, how can you be sure that they’re struggling with an addiction?
Table of Contents
Read on to discover the worrying signs of drug abuse and addiction in your home.
They’re suddenly reclusive and private
We all enjoy our own company from time to time, and it’s normal for individuals to keep many aspects of their life private. But if your loved one is becoming aggressively private, and their reclusiveness is out of character, then you may want to look into this sudden change a little further. Does it always seem as though they’re hiding something?Are they incredibly defensive about their activities? If your loved one is spending more time alone then they could be hiding a drug addiction.
You’ve found drug paraphernalia
Some forms of substance abuse require the use of equipment or specific products in order to achieve a high. This could be anything from cigarette papers and lighters to burnt spoons and hot knives, items used to “cut” substances that are out of place in their bedroom, bongs, and even syringes. Finding this kind of paraphernalia is incredibly distressing and if found, you should reach out to your loved one as soon as possible.
Gradual changes in their physical appearance
Individuals who frequently use drugs don’t look different overnight, however, a gradual change in their physical appearance might be an indication of a substance abuse problem. If their choice of drug or substance is suppressing their appetite then they may have lost a considerable amount of weight, their skin may be grey, or in bad condition, and their teeth could also be showing signs of substance abuse, especially if they’re no longer looking after themselves properly. These changes are much more apparent if your loved one previously took pride in their appearance.For drug rehab you can visit here.
Physical signs
Many indications of drug addiction manifest within the user’s physical appearance. This could include dilated pupils and bloodshot eyes, a strange color to their skin tone, fidgeting or the inability to sit still, scratching and sniffing, and even marks on their arms. They may be trying to hide these physical signs but depending on how deep they are into their addiction, they may not be hiding them very well.
Unexplained disinterest
Another sign you should be wary of is a sudden and almost unexplained disinterest in things that used to make your loved one happy. Our tastes and hobbies can change over time, but an apparent lack of interest and complacency could be a warning sign. Were they once passionate about getting active and now they rarely leave their room? Perhaps they had good grades at school and enjoyed extra-curricular activities, but you’ve noticed a dive in their school participation and efforts. Has their social life suddenly gone flat? If they’re no longer interested in things or people that were once important to them, they could be prioritizing drug abuse instead.
Final thoughts
If you’re worried about your loved one and a potential link to substance abuse, reach out to a health professional as soon as possible.
