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4 Common Signs of Drug Addiction

VWB Blog 2 years ago 8

Nearly 21 million Americans struggle with addiction. So, if you feel like a loved one might be in trouble, you’re far from alone.

That said, it’s never a good idea to assume that you know what someone is going through. Instead, you’re better off observing their behavior and searching for signs of substance abuse.

Do you know what to look for?

If not, don’t worry. We’re here to help. Read on to learn about four common signs of drug addiction.

1. Personality Changes

People living with substance abuse disorder often don’t act like themselves. For example, a typically patient person can become angry or irritable, displaying irrational frustration or making unexpected outbursts.

You might also notice symptoms of depression, anxiety, and oddly secretive behavior.

If someone you love suddenly seems down in the dumps all the tie, unable to sleep, or uninterested in the things they once loved, you should pay close attention.

2. Physical Symptoms

When you imagine a person struggling with substance abuse, what do you picture? If the answer is bloodshot eyes, shaking hands, weight loss or gain, and damage to skin, nails, and hair, you’re on the right track.

Addiction can wreak havoc on the body, and it’s common for those struggling with it to neglect their appearance and rapidly decline in health.

3. Money Issues

Is a normally responsible friend or family member suddenly broke all the time? Do they need to borrow money unexpectedly or seem to be struggling to make ends meet?

While anyone can fall on hard times, substance abuse is nearly guaranteed to strain personal finances. Addiction is expensive, and those who struggle with it are less likely to succeed professionally. This deadly duo can quickly lead to financial ruin.

4. Problems at School or Work

Functioning in society while living with addiction is tough and sometimes impossible.

Does the person you love seem suddenly disconnected from their career or taking their studies less seriously? If they are typically successful and now seem uninterested or unable to conduct themselves normally, they could be in trouble.

Sadly, these problems don’t end with work and school. Addiction can also put a tremendous strain on friendships, families, and romantic relationships, too. Follow this link to learn about support in rehab – you never know when you might need it!

Don’t Ignore the Signs of Drug Addiction

Now that you’ve learned four of the most frequent signs of drug addiction, it’s time to take a closer look at the situation. Do any of these sound familiar?

If so, your loved one might be experiencing drug dependency and need professional help. Contacting a local rehab facility is a great way to learn about the next steps to take.

Remember, the road to recovery from drug addiction isn’t easy. Be patient with yourself and the person you care about, and try to get through this challenging time together.

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