It’s easy to get wrapped up in worry about your loved ones. Sometimes, these worries can be unfounded or misplaced. A parent will worry when their child is five minutes late coming home from school, and spouses may worry when their text goes unanswered for half an hour. It’s easy to get carried away with little worries like that, but what if your worries are a bit more serious? When you’re concerned that a loved one is struggling with addiction, it can become the only thing on your mind. Your waking hours may feel inundated with fears of lifelong substance abuse or overdose.
Addiction can be easy to overlook, but it becomes clearer when you know what you’re looking for. The sooner you recognize an addiction, the sooner you can begin talking about addiction treatment centers. Professional addiction treatment is the best way to find sobriety and keep hold of it. If you’re concerned about someone’s drug or alcohol habits, there are many signs you look for.
6 Signs of Addiction
Let’s consider the following signs that a substance use disorder or addiction has developed.
1. Major Changes in Their Appearance
The exact nature of these physical changes can depend on the type of substance being abused, but keep an eye out for major physical changes. Many drugs can cause rapid weight loss, so if your loved one’s clothes are suddenly fitting much looser, and they fit other items on this list, you may want to research drug addiction treatment. Red eyes and dilated pupils can also point to drug or alcohol abuse, as can a suddenly pallid complexion.
2. Sudden Changes in Dedication to Commitments
A drug or alcohol addiction can cause someone to reorder their priorities completely. The best students might find their grades slipping and their absences climbing. People once very devoted to their careers may start using a lot of sick days or stop gunning for a promotion that they were once hoping for.
3. Financial Issues
Any substance abuse habit is more expensive than the user originally bargained for. Someone struggling to buy more of their chosen substance may borrow money from friends and family members or even steal to support their habit. They may also cut spending in other areas, from grocery budgets to housing costs.
4. Secrecy
Someone with an addiction will have more secrets than they did before abusing a substance. If someone is particularly secretive about their activities, location, or health, especially if this comes as a sudden change, it may be a sign of addiction. The shame and fear that substance abuse carries with it can be a more immense burden than you may think.
5. Emotional Changes
A substance abuse disorder can completely rewire someone’s brain. Their behavior may change, or they may experience new and intense mood swings. You may notice your loved one becoming easily confused or acting more defensive over little things. Alcohol, in particular, can affect someone’s emotional state in extreme ways.
6. Hygiene Changes
As said before, many people find their priorities shuffled when they become dependent on drugs or alcohol. You may notice someone no longer caring for their hair or teeth or find that your loved one has a stronger body odor.
Finding Addiction Treatment with Oceanfront Recovery
For exemplary drug and alcohol addiction treatment in the Orange County area, look no further than Oceanfront Recovery. We understand that discovering addiction in a loved one can feel devastating, but it’s never too late to seek help. Our custom-tailored treatment programs set us apart as a caring and professional addiction treatment center. We offer a wide range of mental health services, which can be the link to achieving sobriety for many people. For more information about what we can do for you or your loved one, contact us today by calling 877.296.7477.
