Substance abuse is the use of drugs or alcohol for the wrong reasons. It can affect both your health and the lives of those around you. If you or someone you love has a substance abuse problem, you can take steps to get help.
Drugs are chemical compounds that have effects on the brain and body, including causing feelings of pleasure, anxiety, and sleepiness. They can also cause side effects that can be long-lasting or permanent.
The first sign that you or a loved one may be struggling with substance abuse is that they are becoming more and more dependent on the drug or alcohol. They have to use more of the drug each time they take it to get the same effect. They are also likely to become more and more irritable and depressed as a result of their substance abuse.
They often feel a strong urge to use again, even when they don’t have the drug. This substance abuse is called a withdrawal reaction. They might have symptoms such as shaky muscles, dizziness, sweating, nausea, and headaches. They can also be numb or weak, have trouble breathing, or have seizures.
Other signs of addiction include the need for more and more of the drug to get the same effects, using it when it’s not necessary for health reasons, and feeling strange or uncomfortable when they stop taking it. This can also be a sign of an underlying mental health condition that might need treatment to help them overcome their addiction and lead healthy, happy lives.
Addiction is a serious medical and psychological condition that can be treated with medication or psychotherapy. The sooner you seek professional help, the more likely you are to have a successful recovery.
Identifying the signs of substance abuse is important for you and your loved ones to know. It will give you the chance to take action and get your loved one help before they are harmed.
It’s not uncommon for people who struggle with substance abuse to hide the signs of their abuse. This is a way to avoid getting in trouble with their loved ones and putting themselves at risk of legal consequences or other problems. It can also be a way to escape from the consequences of their abuse, such as financial strain and loss of employment.
Physical Changes
If you notice a noticeable change in your loved one’s appearance, it might be a warning that they are abusing substances. This is because many drugs have appetite suppressing or other altering side effects, which can result in changes to body weight. Frequent abnormal puffiness or flushed skin can also indicate substance abuse.
Unusual bloodshot eyes are another telltale sign of drug abuse. They can also appear more frequently if the person is secretive or defensive about their use.
They might go to extreme lengths to hide these signs, such as using eyewash and concealing their face when they feel the side effects of their abuse.