Addictions do not form overnight. They develop over time and almost always start with recreational use. After a while, the addicted person begins feeling compelled to seek out a substance because of extremely strong cravings. A physiological and psychological dependence develops. Addiction is a disease and makes it very difficult to stop using without help. Even if a person desperately wants to quit, addiction destroys their ability to choose.
Signs your child my have an addiction
Identifying the early signs of addiction can be hard. For one thing, they are unlikely to admit that they have a problem. Also, addicts tend to cover their tracks very well. However, there are many signs you might notice. If you are concerned that someone you love may be addicted to drugs or alcohol, look for the following warning signs that typically point to a problem.
- A change in attitude, motivation, or mood
- Loss of interest in hobbies and pastimes once enjoyed
- Different friends or hangouts
- Unusually poor performance at work or school or missing work or school
- Trembling hands
- Lying or other secretive behaviours
- Sudden weight or appetite changes
- A sudden increase in spending without an explanation
- Enlarged pupils, tiny pupils or bloodshot eyes
- Changes in daily schedule or sleeping patterns
The presence of these signs does not necessarily mean addiction is present. There are often other explanations. However, the presence of more than a few of these means that there is almost certainly a substance abuse issue. If these signs make you more rather than less concerned about your loved one, there are some steps you can take to help.
What to Do If a Loved One Is Addicted
If you think that someone you know is an addict, it’s important to take the right steps to have the best odds of helping them. Trust your instincts. If you believe that there is a problem based on events that have taken place over time, you are probably right. Remember that addicts often lie or act out of character to protect their addiction. Make an appointment with a medical professional and seek rehabilitation services such as Arrow Health.
About Arrow Health
Addiction is difficult to beat, and most people find that they cannot do it alone. Give your loved one the best possible odds of recovering by contacting Arrow Health. The sooner the person begins treatment, the better. We are a premium, private drug and alcohol rehab facility where we work with and support not just the patient, but their family and friends as well. Our entire qualified, expert team have had real-life experiences with drugs and addiction, so we understand how daunting the situation can be and how to help most effectively. We offer inpatient and outpatient programs as well as one-on-one care and family services. Contact Arrow Health today to help your loved one get back on the path to a healthier, happier, more harmonious life.