Addiction is unfortunately a major issue in the United States. Each day a family is losing a loved one because of addiction and it’s time we spread awareness of the early warning signs. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 19.7 million American adults (aged 12 and older) battled a substance use disorder in 2017. Behavior tends to play a major role in highlighting the early warning signs that indicate whether or not you’re loved one is battling addiction. If your loved one appears to be fearful or paranoid for no specific reason, has an unexplained change in personality, or they are experiencing sudden mood swings that leave them either easily irritated or spaced out then it might be time to have the talk with them. Our behavioral complex plays a pivotal role in shining light on what our body requires. Taking the time to educate ourselves on the physical attributes associated with early warning signs of addiction can be the determining factor in saving and changing a life.
It may be time to seek professional help if you are experiencing the following:
- Not being able to recall events while drinking (also called blackouts);
- Repeated conflicts with family members, friends or co-workers;
- Recurring episodes of mood swings, depression or feeling irritable;
- Using alcohol on a regular basis to relax;
- Using alcohol to improve mood and sleep;
- Using alcohol to deal with problems or feel “normal”;
- Having troublesome physical symptoms like headaches, anxiety, sleeplessness or stomach issues when not drinking;
- Having a red-faced and ruddy complexion (which is caused by broken capillaries on the face);
- Trembling hands;
- Bloody or black and tarry stools, vomiting blood or frequent diarrhea;
- Bloodshot eyes, pinpoint or enlarged pupils;
- Nosebleeds that could be caused by snorting drugs;
- Appetite or sleeping pattern changes;
- Sudden weight loss or gain;
- Seizures;
- Deterioration of personal grooming habits;
- Loss of coordination resulting in unexplained injuries, accidents or visible bruising;
- Unusual odors on breath, person or clothes;
- Shakiness, trembling, incoherent or slurred speech;
- Drinking alone or drinking in secret
Try to incorporate wholesome activities, such as exercise, meditation, and mindfulness, into
your schedule to foster healing. According to a report in the American Journal of
Psychiatry, regular exercise can improve the symptoms of depression and anxiety in
individuals with substance use disorder. While doing so, ensure that you eliminate any
source of temptation and avoid people and situations that may trigger a relapse.
Having a support network is an essential part of the recovery journey. Try reaching out to
friends and family members so that they can be there for you, guide you and push you
toward your sobriety goals. Joining a support group near you could also help
immensely, don’t feel ashamed of the battle.
Recovery is not easy, sometimes, you may need professional assistance. Studies have
shown that people who seek expert help for addiction have better outcomes than those
who try to overcome it independently. Addiction treatment professionals have the knowledge and expertise to diagnose and treat addiction effectively. Our staff understands the underlying causes of addiction and we create individualized treatment plans the best serve and cater to the needs of our clients.
Seeking treatment not only connects you with an expert passionate about helping you achieve your sobriety goals, but it also provides access to a supportive community of peers and professionals that understand what
you’re going through and can offer proper guidance. With this, your chances of long-
term recovery is significantly improved.
At the Recovery Center USA, we have the services you need to beat addiction and improve the quality of your life. From Psychiatric Rehabilitation
Services to Medication Management and Peer Support. Visit us in any of our
locations, and we will offer you the best care!
Sources
- 2019 NSDUH Annual National Report. (2020, September 11).
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2019-nsduh-annual-national-report - Scott, P. (2021, January 27). Signs of Drug Addiction. WebMD.
https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/signs-of-drug-addiction - Warning Signs of Drug Abuse. (n.d.). Department of Mental Health and
Substance Abuse Services. https://www.tn.gov/behavioral-health/substance-
abuse-services/treatment—recovery/treatment—recovery/prescription-for-
success/warning-signs-of-drug-abuse.html
