Signs of Addiction – When It’s Time to Go to Drug and Alcohol Rehab Prescott
Addiction isn’t a “yes” or “no” scenario. You don’t go to bed one evening without addiction and then wake up the next morning addicted to drugs or alcohol. For most people, the slide into addiction can be so gradual, with steps forward and steps back, that it can be tough to realize when they’re past the point of needing help. Recognizing the earliest signs of addiction in yourself or a loved one can help you determine when it’s time to reach out to alcohol and drug rehab Prescott AZ.
When you are trying to keep an eye on a loved one you suspect may be struggling with an addiction, it’s tricky to know from the outside looking in which behavioral and emotional changes may be related to substance abuse and which could be the result of external circumstances. You won’t be able to diagnose someone with a drug or alcohol addiction simply by reading this article. However, you can express concern to your loved one and set up an intervention if you notice more than a few of the following items occurring regularly.
What Are the Signs of Addiction? When Is Drug & Alcohol Rehab Prescott Necessary?
Physical
Physical symptoms of addiction vary based on which substance is being used. In general, pay attention to symptoms like the following, as they tend to occur when the body is withdrawing after not having a dose of the substance for a while [1,2]:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Shakiness or unsteadiness
- Headaches
- Sweating
You may also notice physical symptoms that a person is currently high. If someone exhibits the following signs frequently, it may indicate that they are high regularly [3]:
- Red eyes
- Dilated or constricted pupils
- Droopy eyelids
- Erratic eye movements
- Salivation or lip licking and smacking
- Grinding and clenching of the teeth and jaw
- Bloody or runny nose, when accompanied by other symptoms of drug use
- Shaky or sweaty hands
- Clammy, sweaty skin
- Slowed breathing
- High heart rate
- Darkened or bruised veins
- Needle injection marks
- Unexplained sores on the skin, especially on the face or near major veins
- Slurred words
- Disordered speech
- Lowered pain response
- Uncoordinated movements
- Odd restlessness or sleepiness
Emotional
Many of the emotional problems caused by addiction stem from the disruption to your life that drugs can cause. Financial stress about affording to support your drug use, worry over hiding your drug use from loved ones or people at work, and even internal guilt about becoming reliant on a substance can all be factors.
The most common emotional symptoms you may experience are [1,2]:
- Depression
- Anxiety, worry, or obsession over how to get the next dose
- Feeling like you need to keep using the drug or drinking alcohol, even though you know it’s causing problems in your life
- Guilt over taking drugs or drinking alcohol
- Feeling like you need to hide your drug or alcohol use
- Wondering whether things have gotten out of your control
Behavioral
Addiction causes many people to do things they would never do under ordinary circumstances. From engaging in explosive arguments with family members to visiting dangerous parts of town to buy drugs, addiction tends to bring out the following pattern of behaviors [1,2]:
- Trouble concentrating, which may lead to poor performance at work or school
- Going overboard whenever limits are set (for example, “I’ll just have one drink tonight” turns into “A few more won’t hurt, it is Friday after all.”)
- Frequently canceling plans with friends and family, or missing work or school regularly
- Taking bigger and bigger doses over time
- Taking larger risks to get the next dose
- Getting defensive and angry when loved ones express concern
Reliance on a substance plays havoc with almost every area of your life. Rarely, a person would only be affected in one area and not in others.
How can a Drug and Alcohol Rehab Prescott Help You?
If you recognize that you are experiencing addiction signs, or you suspect a loved one may be struggling, please reach out for help. Addiction is treatable, especially when you take advantage of the proven, holistic treatments offered by a reputable alcohol and drug rehab in Arizona.
Silver Sands Recovery wants to help you get your life back. Located in the heart of stunning Prescott, Arizona, Silver Sands Recovery offers help for detox, 12 step programs, therapeutic outdoor activities, and extended care, based on your needs.
Call today and start getting your life back on track. You can also contact us using our convenient online form.
Sources:
[1] https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/signs-of-drug-addiction#1
[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/drug-addiction/symptoms-causes/syc-20365112
[3] https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-if-Someone-Is-High
About the author:
Lisa Waknin is the Founder and Director of Silver Sands Recovery, located in Prescott, Arizona. Lisa started Silver Sands Recovery after immersing herself in the addiction treatment world for several years to figure out what could be done differently to help her daughter and others like her to overcome addiction and stay sober. She believes in a hands-on treatment approach, which includes taking someone out of their environment, providing a 90-day program in a structured environment. During treatment, clients not only recover physically but also learn to live their life again. Lisa is a sought-after expert speaker for recovery support groups, charities, schools, communities, and companies wanting to educate themselves on the explosion of opiate and heroin abuse in our country and the best way to understand, treat, and beat it.
