Do you suspect that your loved one is using drugs? It can be both incredibly stressful and heartbreaking to be worried that someone you care deeply about is risking their life by abusing drugs.
What To Do If Your Loved One Is Using Drugs
While it can seem like you’re helpless when you witness someone succumb to addiction, there are actually action steps you can take to help them and help yourself during this crisis.
Don’t Blame Yourself
First, it’s important to not blame yourself. Drug addiction is a disease and not something you caused. It’s also vital to learn the warning signs and symptoms of drug abuse. Often, there are physical evidence to look for including:
Watch For Physical And Behavioral Signs Of Drug Addiction
- Bloodshot eyes
- Slurred or incoherent speech
- Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
- Dramatic shifts in sleep patterns
- Unusual smells on their breath, body, or clothing
- Shaking hands
- Difficulty walking or executing fine motor skills
Along with physical signs a loved one may have an addiction, there are often recognizable behavioral changes:
- Attendance or performance problems at work or school
- Stealing or borrowing money
- Secretive or suspicious behavior
- Unexplained new friends or activities
- Run-ins with the law such as DUIs, fights, theft, or other illegal activities
These behaviors are also combined with some notable psychological signs of abuse such as mood swings, irritability, out-bursts of anger, hyperactivity, anxiety, and even paranoia.
Take A Proactive Stance To Address Drug Abuse
When the writing on the wall is indicating a drug problem or even addiction, time is of the essence. This isn’t when a wait and see approach is the right decision. With each passing day, a drug addiction can get more severe, making it more difficult to overcome.
Don’t Delay In Getting Help
Most often, the best approach for addressing a loved one’s drug use is guiding them to professional addiction treatment. Now is the time to stay strong and help lead your loved one to the care they need. Personalized, on-going support is necessary for breaking an addiction and staying clean and sober. Treatment for drug abuse is multi-layered to treat the mind, body, and soul and usually includes individual therapy, family therapy, 12-step meetings, and a variety of holistic treatments. In some cases, outpatient treatment is sufficient. However, many individuals can benefit from the comprehensive, round-the-clock care that inpatient addiction treatment offers. Want to learn more about obtaining addiction treatment for a loved one? Contact Northern California’s premier drug and alcohol rehab recovery center – Summit Estate.
Don’t Wait Another Day – Your Loved One Will Thank You Later – Call Us Now.