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Undoubtedly, drug abuse causes untold suffering to the person affected and to their loved ones as well. This is why it can be devastating to find out that your friend or loved one has an alcohol or drug addiction problem.
The good news is that substance abuse is treatable.
The American Society of Addiction Medicine and the American Medical Association both record that addiction or Substance Abuse Disorder (SAD) is more than a result of bad choices. It’s a disease caused by a combination of biological, environmental, psychological, and behavioral factors.
Fortunately, there are several types of home drug testing kits that you can use in the privacy of your home to test if your loved one has a drug issue.
Also, knowing the warning signs of drug dependency can help you seek early intervention for your loved one and even prevent them from progressing into drug addiction.
So, if you suspect your loved one has a drinking or drug use problem in addition to administering a home drug test, here are substance abuse signs to look out for.
Identifying Signs of Addiction
Signs of substance abuse can be identified due to changes in the below five different areas of a person’s life
- Emotional changes
- Physical changes
- Psychological changes
- Relational changes
- Behavioral changes
1. Emotional Changes
Most people with a drug addiction problem will show emotional vulnerability. Some may have bouts of hysteria, while others will cry often. Others become very aggressive and defensive when asked about their drug problem.
Other emotional drug addiction signs to look out for include:
- Irritability
- Loss of interest in family, friends, and activities that they once loved
- Depression or anxiety attacks
- Being verbally or physically abusive
- Blame shifting
- Confusion
2. Physical Changes
One of the most noticeable signs of a drug problem that will manifest in your loved one is physical changes.
A person who is abusing alcohol or any other substance will spend most of their time using the substance which often results in them neglecting their overall physical appearance.
Some of the physical changes visible in someone with SAD include:
- Looking unkempt
- Unusual odor
- Weight loss or gain
- Poor coordination such as staggering or stumbling
- A runny nose or excessive sniffing
- Constricted or dilated pupils and red eyes
- Change in speech patterns
- Dental issues
- Unexplained sores, bruises, or cuts
- Reduced sexual desire
- Change in energy levels
3. Psychological Changes
Drug use is a disease that affects a person’s brain and mental functioning. If your loved one is abusing alcohol or any other drug, it will affect their ability to think rationally.
Other psychological behavior changes caused by drug use include:
- Increased or decreased confidence
- Becoming withdrawn
- Hallucinations and paranoia
- Insomnia and other sleep problems
- Difficulty managing stress
- Poor decision-making and lack of concentration
- Problems with memory
- Suicidal thoughts
- Mood swings
4. Behavioral Changes
Addiction often changes a person’s behavior. Some of the behavioral telltale signs of drug use include:
- An increased need to be alone
- Financial problems
- Mood swings
- Risk-taking behavior or involvement in criminal activities
- Anger issues
- Lack of interest in school or work
- Violence
- Changes in attitude
5. Relational Changes
Drug abuse has consequences on the addict and those around them, including their friends, lovers, and family members.
A person’s relationships will suffer due to the following changes:
- Emotionally distancing themselves from loved ones
- Conflict or violent behavior
- Difficulty holding meaningful conversations
- Isolation
- Codependency
In closing, substance abuse is a complex problem.
However, recognizing the telltale signs of drug abuse in your loved one may help you come up with early intervention and hopefully convince them to seek treatment.