People with a drug or alcohol addiction generally try to hide that behavior from friends and family. However, if you look closely, there are almost always signs that a person needs the help of a private addiction treatment program. Those signs include:
Changes in energy level and mood swings. Everyone has times when their mood and energy level are either noticeably up or down. But, if a person starts exhibiting dramatic changes, it may be the result of having or not having the drug in their system.
Changes in physical appearance. Someone who is developing an addiction may start to look different for a number of reasons. For example, they may be so consumed with the drug that they neglect personal grooming. They may also gain or lose weight due to the effects of the drug. In addition, they may look tired or worn out, as the substance and/or partying may interfere with getting the right quantity and quality of sleep.
Increased secrecy. People who are normally open about where they’ve been and what they’ve been doing often stop sharing that information, for obvious reasons, as they develop an addiction.
Decreased interest in hobbies, etc. Drug use is an activity that tends to crowd out things a person used to be interested in. This may be because when the person is high, those activities are no longer appealing, because they are busy getting and using drugs, because they don’t have the energy to pursue those activities anymore, or all of the above.
Memory loss. If a person who generally has no trouble remembering obligations, upcoming events, etc. starts struggling in that area, it may be due to having the drug in their system or because the drug abuse has damaged their brain.
Strained relationships. People with an addiction often find it hard to maintain their relationships with family, friends, a significant other, etc. for a variety of reasons. For example, the time required to get and use the drug cuts into the hours available to spend with loved ones.
Awareness is Essential
In order to be a positive influence on a person who has a chemical dependency and encourage them to seek help at a private addiction treatment program, you first have to see the signs that they have a problem. Once you do, however, it should be reassuring to know that help is available. Contact us today at (800) 205-6107 to find out about the services we offer.
Content medically reviewed by Vicky Magobet, PMHNP-BC, on November 2nd, 2017.
