Do you have a family member, friend, or colleague whose behavior is becoming increasingly erratic? Are they keeping “odd” hours and stealing money or valuables? Did they become hostile or refuse to communicate when you questioned them about their drug use?
If so, you may have a drug addiction problem on your hands. But it’s not all doom and gloom. In this article, we’ll show you how to identify addiction to drugs so you can take action and get the treatment options needed.
Read on to discover what various signs of addiction look like and what you can do about them.
1. Poor Work Performance
A person with drug addiction may have difficulty focusing on their work. It could lead to poor attendance, showing up late, or forgetting work-related tasks.
An individual with drug addiction issues may become more hostile and detached from their job duties and have difficulty problem-solving or interpreting instructions. Individuals on drugs can experience drowsiness, confusion, and mood swings, ultimately impacting their decision-making skills and leading to a decrease in work performance.
2. Changes in Physical Appearance
Drug addicts often look gaunt, have hollowed-out eyes, and darker, sunken circles beneath their eyes. They may appear to be constantly unkempt or not take regular care of their external appearance.
In the course of their addiction, they may gain or lose a noticeable amount of weight. Their skin may show signs of neglect due to dehydration or poor nutrition, with bruises or nodules or generally unhealthy skin pallor.
3. Altered Behavior
An addict’s personality can drastically shift and typically become more unpredictable. They may engage in risky behaviors or show signs of disinterest in activities they’ve previously enjoyed.
Mood swings may also be present, and the person may become more irritable, aggressive, or frustrated. This behavior could be the result of certain substances leaving the system or could be due to the toll that addiction can take on a person’s mental health.
4. Drastic Changes in Relationships
If someone you know is close to you but suddenly maintains distance, then this may be one sign of drug addiction. This could manifest in the refusal to socialize, seek counseling, or go to places they used to enjoy going to.
You can research online about addiction treatment or reach out to a rehab facility to learn more about addictive drugs. They can also provide more information about having your family member go to rehab for treatment.
5. Changes in Appetite
Mealtimes may diminish in importance; they may eat less frequently or consume smaller amounts than what is typically necessary. Be wary of sudden weight loss or excessive weight gain, as this can be a sign of a malnourished body lacking vital nutrients due to drug use.
Increased cravings for sweets may result in changes in eating habits. The person seeks relief from the drugs’ detrimental impact on serotonin levels. Changes in mood may also mirror changes in eating habits, such as certain drugs causing irritability, depression, or increased anxiety—all of which can influence a person’s appetite.
Be Aware of These Signs of Addiction
Drug addiction can have a devastating effect on individuals and families. If you’re concerned that someone you care about is abusing drugs, look for signs of addiction to control drug use, declines in physical health, and changes in behavior.
Early intervention can make a big difference in stopping the problem from getting worse. If you have any concerns at all, please consult a doctor or mental health specialist for help.
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