Often an addict does not acknowledge that they have a drug problem. Close friends and family members are the first ones to recognize that something is wrong.
If you are worried that you or someone you love is dealing with an addiction, ambiguity makes it hard to process. However, there are some warning signs and indications that can help you find possible issues that you need to deal with on an urgent basis. All you need is some courage and guidance from our lord and savior, Jesus Christ.
Let’s find out more on these warning signs in the article below:
1. Overall Appearance
Long-term consumption of drugs and alcohol can result in severe changes to one’s physical appearance. Many illicit drugs can cause the user to lose appetite, which ultimately causes a visible weight change.
These unaccountable changes to the body, such as sudden weight gain or weight loss, or lack of interest in maintaining personal hygiene or grooming, especially without an explanation, point to substance abuse and can be a reason to worry.
2. Loss of Interest
Dependency on drugs takes over your mind’s inbuilt reward system. Observe if the concerned individual is becoming complacent in domains they used to take great pride in or indifferent towards the hobbies and people they usually cherished.
It may be because they are using their energy towards feeding the urge to use illicit drugs. If you find your loved ones showing a similar attitude, request them to follow Christian addiction recovery programs to find an effective way to deal with these urges. With a bit of effort and guidance, you can get them back on the right track and make positive changes in your life.
3. Mood Swings
Several drugs, significantly when consumed regularly, damage the user’s capabilities to handle emotions. This can result in sudden misery, irritation, extreme upset, or anger in situations when they could earlier manage their moods appropriately.
So, suppose a usually calm and collected person is now showing signs of agitation, or a positive individual is not dealing with sudden episodes of depression, the appropriate way. In that case, it could be a sign of substance abuse.
4. Changes in Sleep Cycle
Substance abuse severely disrupts users’ sleeping habits. Both depressants and stimulants change hormones’ activity, resulting in tiredness and wakefulness. This drives users off their regular schedule.
An addict may sometimes experience opposite effects when the drugs leave their system. Suppose the concerned individual is keeping “off-hours.” In that case, oversleeping or being awake for extended periods – compared to their everyday habits, can be a sign of growing dependence on drugs.
5. Reclusive and Private Behavior
Drug abuse disorders are highly isolating. A user tends to feel shame and social stigma, and some drugs can even cause paranoia. This can cause individuals to withdraw from their close relationships and become uncommunicative. You’ll find these individuals spending extended periods alone in their rooms.
If you find your loved ones showing similar behavior, keep a close watch on them and give them love and support whenever they need it.
In Conclusion
If you have experienced some of these signs in yourself or someone you care about, you may want to reach out to someone who could help. However, with the help of addiction recovery programs, you can deal with this problem with clarity and understanding. At the same time, you provide the addict with the love and support they need.
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