How To Recognize An Addiction Problem

They say that the last person to know that they are an addict is the addict themselves. They become so immersed in their own world created with their substance of choice, that they begin to develop a distorted sense of reality.

They begin to see other people as an obstacle to their happiness, which is now defined by how much access they have to their substance of choice, whether it be drugs or alcohol. Anyone who dares speak out about their concerning habits is perceived as a potential threat or enemy, and so is either removed from their immediate circle.

As the addiction worsens, however, the more they eliminate from their old life, thus making them more detached and isolated than ever before. This can be a very dangerous situation to be in because then it makes getting the help that much more difficult.

It’s important, therefore, for family and friends to be the ones to see the signs on behalf of the addict themselves. Here are some telltale signs that can help you recognize an addiction problem, and hopefully enable you to get them the help they need at the soonest possible instance.

Changes In Personality 

Whereas they used to be bubbly and personable, easy to socialize and be around with, now they may seem more dark and brooding. They may become irritable and snappish, or be fidgety and nervous when they feel like they are being probed about their daily life and activity.

They may lose interest in hobbies or activities that they liked doing, and they may start neglecting obligations and responsibilities that they otherwise would have been able to stay on top of.

There’s also going to be a lot of lying and sneaking around, especially as they try to keep their habit a closely guarded secret for as long as possible. The main priority for them becomes maintaining this secret, so they can keep doing drugs or drinking alcohol, even if it is at the cost of damaging relationships with their family, and even at work.

Impacts On Physical Appearance

The thing with substance abuse is that it will always eventually come out, no matter how hard they may try to hide it. And the way it comes out is usually through physical appearances. Addicts tend to look more and more disheveled the deeper they are into substance abuse because they stop caring or lose interest in the people around them.

Drug abuse, in particular, may show signs of hair loss, tooth decay, sullen eyes from lack of decent sleep, cracked lips, or puncture wounds and needle marks. Sudden and drastic weight loss is another telling physical sign that something else is going on.

For alcoholics, there’s going to be bloating, jaundiced skin from a stressed-out liver–if not an outright kidney disease already–lack of sleep, blackouts, loss of memory, and that distinct smell of alcohol reeking from their pores and their breath.

Mental & Emotional State

Substance abusers not only lose their sense of good judgment in making decisions, but also in relating with other people. This means they can be easily triggered or aggravated, causing them to have mood swings, or even act with aggressive behavior. At the same time, they could also become depressed, anxious, and even begin entertaining suicidal thoughts.

All things considered, the consequences of substance abuse are certainly devastating. It’s important to be on a keen lookout for any of these signs and symptoms so that your loved one can get the help they need immediately from rehabilitation facilities like NuView Treatment Center (https://nuviewtreatment.com/treatment-programs/outpatient-rehab-program-los-angeles-iop/).