Addiction plagues millions of Americans. To put things in perspective – around 2 million Americans are receiving treatment for their addiction in the US. How many are actually suffering from at least one? 21 million! That’s right. Only 1 in every 10 people with an addiction is getting the treatment they require.
The statistics are bad, but they make sense. An addict is highly unlikely to pursue a course of treatment because they cannot fathom a life independent of what they are addicted to, mostly they are in denial, and they are usually not mentally fit to make a good decision. Under such circumstances, it falls upon the parents, friends, or the relatives to catch the signs of addiction to drugs or alcohol and take appropriate action. A simple observation can help save a life and get these patients the treatment they need.
Physical Symptoms
The continued abuse of drug and alcohol is bound to have a physical effect on the body. While most addictions manifest in rather common symptoms like headaches, nausea, and gastrointestinal issues. Some signs can be more helpful in pinpointing an addiction.
These include symptoms like shaky hands, changes in voice, marks of needle use, sudden weight loss or gain, blood in vomit, and a flushed face.
An addiction can impact the brain and people with addiction problems may also completely blackout at times or lose memory of an event. Keep an eye for such physical symptoms and take a call.
Behavioral Clues
Addiction robs the patient of their personality. They transform into this person, who is nothing but a shell of the human that used to be. While patients try hard to stay as normal as possible, cracks show up quickly.
Someone who is addicted to drugs or alcohol avoids meeting people, gets into arguments often, engages in dangerous activities, foregoes basic grooming, perpetually needs money, and goes through extreme mood swings.
Mental disorders like anxiety and depression are often corelated to addiction, so if you know someone who struggles with them, take special care of such people.
Changes in Life
Apart from the physical and behavioral changes, the person suffering from an addiction shows dramatic changes in their daily routines too.
For kids, addiction can manifest in the form of a significant drop in school performance. Adults may show reduced interest in work, in general. They will usually sleep longer and wake up late. Those marred by addiction may skip out on meals, avoid physical activity, and try to stay alone most of the time.
Don’t Overlook
Addiction is a real problem. Between 1999 and 2017, 700,000 Americans have lost their lives to drug overdoses. If you have a loved one, who is showcasing some or all signs of an addiction, you should extend a helping hand and pull them out of the rut, and back to life. It’s possible. Call us now – 833-422-5585or For more information enquire us.