Why Does One Need to Recognize Addiction?
Most addicts deny to themselves and to others that they are addicted.
Recognize Addiction
Often they are convinced that they can stop their substance abuse at will. As the addiction becomes more controlling and as they become more aware of their dependence, addicts often begin to go to great lengths to conceal their condition.
Family members can sometimes’ contribute to the denial of addiction by closing their eyes to what are often clear signals that something is very wrong. Therefor it is vital to recognize addiction.
Recognize Addiction: First Step
Acknowledging the addiction of a close friend or relative is a painful experience, but is the first step in any attempt to help a drug user is recognizing the signs of possible addiction.
Here are some questions to ask yourself if you suspect that someone you know may be abusing drugs:
- Are there any major changes in behavior? Is the person more irritable than usual? Does he or she have “temper tantrums”? Is there unusual indifference or apathy?
- Does the person want to be alone more than usual? Does he or she spend inordinate amounts of time isolated from the rest of the family?
- Does the person spend more time away from home?
- Does the person have a great deal more or less money than one would expect?
- Are there phone calls at odd hours?
- Are there major changes in friends?
- Is there a dramatic change of performance on the job or at school?
- Is there money missing from the house?
- Has there been a change in energy levels: listlessness, fatigue, etc.?
- Has there been any dramatic change in eating habits?
- Has the individual been making progress in his life; is he getting closer or further away from his goals?
Drug Abuse Signs
Sign of opiate abuse (includes heroin and oxycotin) can be:
- constricted pupils
- scratching
- needle marks
- lethargy.
- It might also include someone acting hyper, as some people are affected this way by opiates.
Signs of cocaine or speed abuse usually include:
- glassy eyes
- very large pupils, which the person may try to hide behind sunglasses.
- erratic behavior
- irritability
- nervousness
- aggression
- lack of sleep
- thirst.
Benzodiazepine abuse is characterized b:y
- sedation
- drowsiness/depression
- unusual excitement
- fever
- irritability
- poor judgment
- slurred speech
- dizziness.
Xanax abuse amongst high school kids is at an all time high, so this is an important one to be alert to. Withdrawal from the drug can be life threatening and requires medical attention.
A person on marijuana will usually have:
- red eyes
- can appear to be in a daze
- may go into fits of laughter for no reason
- marijuana has a strong pungent odor which is difficult to mask
- rolling papers or blunts around the house are tell tale signs of marijuana abuse
If someone you love has signs of drug abuse, then get some help. Call an interventionist if needed, but don’t wait. Overdose is a real threat to any drug abuser. Get them the help they need.
Recognize Addiction: Get Help
None of these signals, in isolation, would indicate that anyone is addicted to drugs. However, if the answer to a number of these questions is “yes,” it would be wise to consider the possibility that drugs may be part of the picture. If this is the case, the next step should certainly be treatment of the drug addiction.
How does someone become drug addicted? Read The Pattern of Drug Addiction
