Addiction can quickly get out of hand, consuming someone’s life entirely. If you notice any of these signs in a friend, it is time to inform their family or take measure to intervene. With luck, they’ll agree to treatment and begin a life of recovery, free from drugs.
Lack Of Manageability
- They always end up using more drugs than they say they will
- Once they get high, they end up on a multiple day bender
- They are unable to manage themselves once they are high
- After swearing they are going to quit, they find themselves high on drugs again
Neglecting Responsibilities
- Bills go unpaid
- Job responsibilities fall by the wayside, causing issues at work or at school
- Responsibility to children and other family members is no longer a priority
- Personal care like hygiene, doctors visits, health, and mental well being are secondary
Risky Behaviors
- Trying harder drugs in more dangerous ways
- Hanging around with dangerous people and drug dealers
- Always seeking out thrills and risks
- Using drugs without consideration to how being high will influence their abilities
- Engaging in promiscuous sexual relations
- Acting out of their normal character
Problems In Relationships
- Cheating on partners in a committed relationship
- Lying, stealing, and cheating family members, friends, and strangers
- Inability to tell the truth
- Hiding drug use from others or causing a fight when it is discovered
- Isolating from friends and family
- Withdrawing from close social circles and activities
Keeping Secrets, Hiding From Others
- Defensiveness and secrecy about their activities, their friends, and their whereabouts
- Starting arguments when talks about addiction or drug problems are brought up
- Avoiding social interactions or interactions with friends and family
- Constantly being caught in lies
Drastic Alterations In Appearance
- Sudden weight loss
- After sudden weight loss, dramatic weight gain or bloating
- Change in skin color and texture
- Wearing long sleeves and long pants un-seasonally
- Loss of hair
- Dental damage including gingivitis, decay, or tooth loss
- Sunken eyes and cheeks
- Seeming frail and unhealthy
Developing A Tolerance
- Having to use more drugs to achieve a greater or similar high
- Coming up with excuses for using more drugs more often
- Needing to take “the edge off”
Experiencing Withdrawal
- Suffering severe cravings when going without drugs
- Getting sick, vomiting, shaking, sweating, or panicked without drugs
- Not being able to go more than a few hours without drugs
Ongoing Chronic Use
- Despite negative consequences of using and failing health, continues to use drugs regularly
- Gives up caring about anything other than drugs
- Does not feel they are worth recovering because they are too addicted
At LEAD Recovery Center, autonomy is the goal. Our transitional treatment programs show clients how to be independent in their recovery as leaders in their own lives and the lives of others. For more information, call us today at 1-800-380-0012.
