Substance abuse disorders typically follow the same patterns. The first step to seeking substance abuse disorder treatment is determining if the person in question has an addiction. Addicts become adept at hiding their problems – offering up plausible reasons for their changes in behavior and life circumstances, but as the addiction grows, it becomes more difficult to cover up. Recognizing the signs of addiction in a loved one can be crucial to getting them into treatment.
If the person cannot seem to stop getting drunk or stop using drugs, despite the negative impact that substance has on relationships, work, and families, it is an indication that an addiction might have developed. Most people do not want to mistreat or argue with loved ones - nor do they want to lose jobs, friends and the trust of those around them. When such things are occurring and he or she continues to use drugs or alcohol, consider it a serious red flag.
Stress at work can be a normal fact of life, but when that stress is tied to the employee’s frequent tardiness, incomplete projects or conflicts with co-workers, substance abuse disorder might be the culprit. When an employee is frequently tardy or leaving early, it could be because he or she is seeking drugs/alcohol. If job problems coincide with escalating or excessive use, it is a significant red flag.
Frequent arguments with the substance user can indicate addiction, especially when those arguments frequently occur soon after he or she awakens and has not yet left the house. This can be caused by withdrawal and agitation occurs as the addict seeks a way to leave alone and get to the dealer. In addition, when that person is argumentative and has physical signs of being under the influence, consider the possibility of addiction.
The physical signs of addiction will vary with each type of drug being used. The list below is not comprehensive but covers common signs to watch for.
Physical signs might occur individually or several at once. There are possible explanations for some of them, however, if they are frequent, and especially if other problems exist as well, such as job loss or relationship issues, it is time to strongly suspect an addiction.
If you or a loved one suffers from addiction, help can be found at The Haven treatment center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Call 801-533-0070 to find out more.
Categories: Education Alcohol Addiction Drug Addiction
