Bartlett, IL Substance Abuse Treatment: What are the Warning Signs of Drug Abuse?

What are the Warning Signs of Drug Abuse?

Roughly ten percent of adults in the United States have had, or will have, drug abuse disorder in their lives. That means one in every ten people you know will go through drug abuse at some point.

If you suspect that you or a loved one may be addicted to drugs, it’s probably for a good reason. While many drug addicts might be good at hiding their abuse initially, or even be in denial about their usage, chronic drug abuse cannot go unnoticed forever.

Learn the warning signs of drug abuse for yourself or a loved one in Bartlett. Becoming aware of warning signs is the next step to getting the substance abuse treatment you or they need.

Warning Signs of Drug Abuse

Warning signs of drug abuse can be identified through a change in behavior. Physical and psychological symptoms also manifest in drug abusers.

Behavioral Change

Concerning behavioral changes can be a sign of drug addiction. These include but are not limited to the following symptoms:

  • Refusal or denial that there is a drug problem
  • Theft
  • Manipulation of others
  • Lack of motivation when this previously was not a problem
  • Increase in depression/anxiety
  • Extreme paranoia
  • Blaming others for their problems
  • General odd behavior, such as saying they are going to a gas station in Bartlett but then being gone for hours
  • Lying and sneaky or secretive behavior

Physical Symptoms

Physical symptoms can range from the way a drug addict looks to the way their body feels. Some physical symptoms that drug addicts experience are:

  • Dilated or pinpoint-sized pupils
  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Increase in nosebleeds
  • Noticeable weight loss to the point the abuser looks unhealthily skinny
  • Complexion changes such as jaundice, scarring, and sores
  • Slurred speech, incoherent sentences
  • Poor hygiene and tooth decay
  • Flu-like symptoms including migraines, sensitivity to stimulation, nausea, shaking, tremors

Psychological Symptoms

Psychological symptoms can be harder to identify if you are not the addict. There are still signs that suggest a shift in the psychological thoughts and behaviors of an addict. Look out for the following psychological symptoms:

  • Personality change,s such as someone having introverted tendencies when they used to be extroverted
  • Isolation
  • Defensiveness
  • Paranoia and delusions
  • Severe mood swings
  • Overall heightened emotion or increased apathy
  • “Dead” or lifeless eyes
  • Impulsiveness
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Insomnia or sleeping too much
  • Irritability

Signs You Have a Drug Problem

In addition to signs to look out in other people, you may not be able to recognize if you have a drug problem. Here are some signs that you may have an addiction to drugs.

These are also thought patterns that your loved ones who are addicted to drugs are most likely experiencing. Getting in the mind of a drug addict can help identify a drug addict.

  • Increased drug tolerance
  • Physical withdrawal symptoms
  • Spending time thinking about the drug
  • Revolving your life around using drugs
  • Lack of interest in things you previously loved
  • Increased conflict in interpersonal relationships
  • Stealing other people’s drugs from their medicine cabinets

Resources to Get Help in Bartlett

Most people need help quitting drugs. The reason you have read this article is to understand drug abuse better and seek help for yourself or a loved one. Here are some resources to reach out to for your specific needs.

In addition, the modern world has made it so that drug addicts can get specialized and personalized individual care for their problems. That means that help isn’t a one size fits all cure.

Take some time to explore what would be best for you or your loved one to overcome drug addiction in Bartlett. Check out these counseling services now to find which one resonates with you.