Psychological warning signs of drug abuse Unexplained change in personality or attitude, sudden mood changes, irritability, spacing outbursts or anger, appears fearful, anxious, or paranoid, for no reason. Toll-free (24 hours), 1-800-582-0709 (local line), 1-801-222-9200 While these are not definitive signs, if accompanied by secrecy or defensiveness, they can provide useful clues as to if something is wrong. Withdrawal behavior and responding with hostility or caution when uncomfortable topics come up can be a sign of defensiveness. A person trying to hide addiction may redirect the conversation with arguments or even aggressive mood swings, and distracting methods are also a defensive signal.
A person struggling with addiction may become increasingly distant from loved ones and often seeks privacy to obtain or use drugs. Inpatient treatment for drug addiction is the best option for people whose lives have been turned upside down because of drug abuse. Substance use disorders can change how people look, how they act and how they feel, and the symptoms of drug abuse can be physical, behavioral, and psychological in nature. People who become addicted to opioids are often prescribed prescription medications, such as pain relievers, often after something like an accident or surgery.
In addition, it is important to understand that withdrawal symptoms arise when the body adapts to the absence of familiar amounts of a medication. If a normally calm and calm person seems hyperactive and manic, or if an optimist is facing sudden waves of depression, it could be a sign of drug abuse. Over time, drug tolerance increases and users have to take more and more of the substance of their choice to experience the same effects, which is the main reason why these substances are so addictive. An addicted person will also sometimes experience the opposite effects when the drug leaves their system.
Acquiring and using drugs become life's top priorities, while all or most other obligations, including work, family, or school, are left out. If you or a loved one needs treatment for a drug or alcohol use disorder, you can seek recovery resources by zip code or call The Recovery Village. However, starting during childhood or adolescence is linked to an increased risk of substance dependence, since they feel they need the medication to work normally. Help is available for addicts and their loved ones in every city and state, so no one who has suffered the emotional impact of drug abuse should have to go through it alone.
During therapy, recovering addicts will also learn to recognize the triggers that support their drug abuse and the temptations that undermine their sobriety, and doing so can greatly help them in their effort to develop strategies to resist the inner voice of their addiction. Understanding the warning signs can help determine if a family member or friend is struggling with drug abuse or addiction. Signs & Addiction symptoms often begin as recreational with the use of alcohol or drugs in a social setting. Red or bloodshot eyes and pointed or dilated pupils are telltale signs of many types of drug abuse.
