Are you worried that your loved one may need some extra help? Are you concerned about the things they do when they drink or use drugs? If so, there are some clear warning signs of alcohol or drug addiction. While you shouldn’t be too quick to judge, it’s important to ask yourself these questions if their behaviors don’t seem normal to you.
Do They Use Drugs or Drink Alone?
If it seems like your loved one spends a lot of time alone at home with drugs or alcohol, then chances are they might have a problem. It isn’t typical for people to turn into hermits just because they’re struggling with addiction. In many cases, those who struggle with addiction try to hide their habits from others because they’re ashamed.
Have Their Friends Changed?
If your loved one’s friends seem to have dramatically changed recently, then you should look into it. One of the most common symptoms of substance abuse is that people will stop spending time with those who used to be their close friends and start hanging out with other substance abusers, even if they previously didn’t like doing that kind of thing.
Do They Lie About How Much They Drink Or Use?
If your loved one lies about how much they drink or use regularly, then it might be time to seek help from a drug rehabilitation center such as The Process Recovery Center (https://www.theprocessrecoverycenter.com/vermont/). Most people who drink socially don’t feel the need to lie about it; however, those struggling might not feel as comfortable about their habit and try to keep it a secret.
Are They Vomiting Or Seeming Ill?
People who struggle with addiction will often drink or use drugs until they’re feeling ill and then vomit as a result. If your loved one has been vomiting regularly and you notice this is due to drinking or using drugs, then there’s likely an issue.
Do They Need More And More To Get The Same High?
It might seem like your loved one drinks or uses substances less frequently than they used to, but they are now spending more money on the same amount of alcohol or drugs. This can be a sign of progression – your loved one needs more of the substance to get the desired effects, meaning their tolerance level has increased.
Are They Experiencing Physical Withdrawal Symptoms?
If your loved one is regularly experiencing withdrawal symptoms when they cut back on the number of drugs or alcohol they’re using, then there’s likely a serious problem. If someone has become dependent on substances, their body will regularly depend on them to function properly. Therefore, when they don’t get their fix for whatever reason (e.g., someone tries to get them to cut back), they experience uncomfortable physical symptoms like vomiting and shaking until they take more of the substance again.
Do They Try To Cut Down On Their Drinking Or Drug Use But Can’t?
People who struggle with addiction tend to want to control it but can’t because it controls them. Those addicted to drugs or alcohol often try to cut back on their habit but find that they’re practically powerless to do so.
Have They Experienced A Loss Of Control At One Time Or Another?
Substance abusers occasionally lose control over their drug or drinking habits even if they don’t want them to; however, this can be a sign of addiction depending on the circumstances. If your loved one has experienced the loss of control more than once, then there’s likely an issue.
If you answer yes to any of these questions, it is time to seek professional help for your loved one before it is too late. The earlier someone seeks addiction treatment, the better chance they can maintain a healthy and sober life.
