When does drug use become an addiction?
If you are a family member watching changes happen in your loved one, you may be forced to ask this question. It’s not easy to know. It’s also really hard to know when to intervene.
As recreational drug use increases and everything from the movies to social media makes it seem normal, you’re left wondering what to do. First, know the facts:
- Drug addiction, more appropriately called drug use disorder, is a disease like any other. It differs in severity, progression, and presentation between each person. That makes it impossible to know for sure if something is wrong.
- Complications can range from mild to serious. Not everyone who uses drugs will develop a substance use disorder (SUD).
- Take action when your loved one’s health is at risk, especially if they have overdosed previously, suffered emotional trauma, or have any of the warning signs listed below.
The Ranch at Dove Tree is a drug addiction treatment center designed to provide a safe, supportive environment that creates real change in those who need guidance. If you are unsure of your loved one’s specific needs, now is the time to contact us to learn more.
Physical Changes
Many people facing an SUD experience physical changes due to continuous drug use. This may stem from the toxins themselves as well as from not taking care of themselves. Eating healthy food and maintaining a regular sleeping routine becomes challenging. You may notice changes such as:
- Bloodshot eyes
- Sleeping all of the time or not sleeping
- Weight loss that seems sudden or extreme
- Sores on their arms and hands
- Change in appetite
Many people struggle to maintain hygiene as SUD worsens. These tasks, even just putting on clean clothing, become less important.
Risk-Taking Behavior
Those who engage in risk-taking behavior that is out of the norm for them could be facing challenges in making decisions. This could include reckless driving, driving under the influence, engaging in unprotected sex, or getting into fights. Many people face legal trouble stemming from this, such as charges of disorderly conduct.
It is especially worrisome if a person is engaging in reckless behavior as a way to secure money or the drugs they need. In these situations, they may be dependent on the substance.
Struggling with Responsibilities
As substance use worsens, it becomes far more challenging for a person to maintain their ability to live life. What they were doing is no longer a priority because their focus is on seeking out substances. Many people struggle in the following ways:
- Unable to maintain responsibilities at home
- Difficulty keeping grades up if they are in school
- Inability to meet goals and timelines
- Lacking the ability to accomplish work tasks they used to do without a problem
- Repeated reprimands from employers, managers, or teachers
Struggling with day-to-day life responsibilities happens because of the lack of focus on those tasks. As this disease worsens, a person may feel an uncontrollable need to seek out the substance even when other factors “should be” more important to them.
Psychological Changes
Your family member may begin to display a variety of changes in the way they communicate and act. Psychological warning signs of drug misuse include:
- Feeling anxious and fearful without an obvious reason
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Angry outbursts that are out of character
- Paranoia
- Distrust
Watching these changes can be challenging for you. If you reach out, you may be pushed away, treated poorly, or accused of hurting them. Some family members feel the need to pull back and stay away, and you certainly should do so if your health or well-being is at risk.
What to Do When You See The Changes?
You’re loved one is struggling. You want to help, but you don’t know how. You may have lots of questions, too.
- What can you do when your loved one won’t get addiction treatment?
- What is the link between heredity and drug addiction? Should you be worried about a shared child?
- If you see the signs of misusing alcohol or drugs, should you confront them?
- Should you act now or wait until something big happens?
There are no simple answers to any of these questions. But there is help. At The Ranch at Dove Tree, we can provide you with information and guidance on how to help someone with drug addiction get support. If you’re not sure if you should ask, contact us.
There is no harm or cost to you for contacting our admissions team. We can offer guidance and insight. Most importantly, we can give you the tools to take action when it is necessary to do so. Doing something is better than doing nothing. The 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health shares that only 6% of the 46 million Americans over the age of 12 with an SUD actually get treatment.
Contact The Ranch At Dove Tree for Guidance
Talk to our team at The Ranch at Dove Tree about your legal rights and options. Let us go to work building a clear recovery plan for them. If you see these warning signs or others, take action. Contact us now.
