At Palmetto, we recognize that addiction can have an incredibly detrimental effect on an individual’s life. If you’re worried that you or a loved one may be struggling with addiction, there are signs to help you know. Recognizing these signs is the first step to getting help for yourself or for guiding someone you care about to rehab. Keep reading to learn more about the behavioral, physical, and psychological aspects of addiction.
Behavioral Signs of Addiction
Behavioral signs of addiction deal with an individual’s outward relations with the world. Behavioral signs include but are not limited to the following:
- Secretive or Dishonest Behavior
- Withdrawing from Responsibility and Socializing
- Poor Performance at Work or School
- Loss of Interest in Activities, Hobbies, or Sports that were Once Important to You
- Continuing to use the Substance, Despite the Negative Consequences that These Cause
Physical Signs of Addiction
Drug and alcohol addiction can have extremely harmful effects on an individual’s physical health. An individual who is active in their addiction may show any of the following physical signs:
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Blood in Vomit
- Flushed Skin
- Husky Voice
- Broken Capillaries on their Face
- Chronic Gastrointestinal Distress
- Dilated Pupils
- Bloodshot eyes
- Poor Physical Coordination
- Dramatic Weight Loss or Gain
- Marks Left by Injection Drug Use (referred to as “track marks”)
- Trembling Hands
Psychological Signs of Addiction
Addiction also impacts the individual’s psychological state. When in the middle of addiction, it is common for the person to not realize or recognize these changes. Psychological signs of addiction include, but are not limited, to the following:
- Irritability or Angry Outbursts
- Lack of Motivation
- Changes in Personality or Attitude
- Sudden Mood Swings
- Unexplained Paranoia
- Inability to Focus or Concentrate
- Feelings of Hopelessness
- Emotionally and Mentally Withdrawing from People
- Exacerbation of any Existing Mental Health Conditions, such as Depression, Anxiety, or Stress
How to Help Someone with a Substance Abuse Disorder
Addiction recovery at a professional treatment facility can provide you with support that you would not have doing an at-home recovery. With a professional team, you can get help to manage your withdrawal symptoms, as well as managing your mental health symptoms. Another key benefit of using a professional treatment facility for addiction recovery is that our team of professionals will be there to oversee the entire process and address any concerns or problems, while keeping you safe from overdosing or relapsing.
If you notice any of these signs in your loved one, they may be suffering from addiction but there is something you can do to help. Don’t hesitate to call our trained addiction specialists to find out more about conducting an intervention and getting your loved one into the proper treatment program. If you believe your loved one is suffering from drug or alcohol abuse, our team of professionals at Palmetto Addiction Recovery Centers are here to help! Our team will work with you to develop a recovery plan that works best for them. Call or visit Palmetto Addiction Recovery Centers Today!