When it comes to drug addiction, there are some obvious signs, but there are also subtle signs that you might not know are indicative of addiction. there may be subtle signs that are harder to
If you’re struggling with drug addiction, there may be some obvious signs and others that are not so obvious
According to studies, about 10% of Americans have experienced some form of drug addiction. Though drug addiction can look different on every person, there are some signs to look out for.
If you are looking into treatment and think you’re ready to go to rehab, here are some telltale signs that might push you to make a positive change in your life.
Keep reading for six signs that you should go to rehab.
1. Your Health Is Deteriorating
One sign that it’s time for you to seek help for your drug addiction is that your health is suffering.
Drug use comes with a plethora of side effects that have damaging effects on your physical health. You might be getting sick often, your body might be malnourished from not eating enough, or you might have a weakened immune system. Mixing substances can also intensify these effects. For example, smoking weed on Adderall may seem harmless to some, but the combination can increase anxiety, heart strain, and mood swings, making it even harder to maintain overall well-being.
Not only does drug use affect your physical health, but it also has a profound effect on your mental health. You might be behaving differently, feeling anxious, irritated, depressed, lethargic, or apathetic. In severe cases, you could also experience psychosis with prolonged drug use.
2. Your Appearance Is Changing
Those who develop drug problems can begin to look different over time.
Although you might not notice a change, those close to you can often tell when there are gradual changes. The use of drugs can often lead to excessive weight loss, dark circles around the eyes, uncombed hair, and a general look of disarray.
If you’re experiencing an addiction to a certain drug, you are more likely to neglect your personal hygiene and overall appearance. Weight loss is common because of dietary changes and because many drugs, such as stimulants, reduce your appetite.
This is one of the less obvious signs of drug addiction because people can change their appearance for many reasons. That is why it is important to keep an eye for subtleties in changes in appearance if you suspect that your loved one is struggling with addiction.
3. You Need Your Drug of Choice to Function
Drug use usually starts off recreationally and serves some purpose for the user. Whether to reduce social anxiety, deal with trauma, feel more confident, or help with concentration.
With prolonged use and tolerance building, it’s likely that you will need more of the drug to experience the same effect. You might find that you can no longer participate in any daily activities without using your drug of choice.
For some, their drug issues begin to hinder their ability to function at all when it comes to responsibilities, daily tasks, and even leisure activities.
If you feel that you cannot function without using your drug, it is time for you to consider going to rehab.
4. You Have Withdrawal Symptoms
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms is an accurate indication that your body is physically addicted to a substance and you need to seek treatment.
While withdrawal can vary, here are some common symptoms:
- Shaking and tremors
- Sweating and nausea
- Confusion and disorientation
- Aggression and mood swings
- Isolation
- Trouble sleeping
- Loss of appetite
It might be difficult to recognize withdrawal symptoms because they can be mild or severe, depending on the individual, the drug, and length of use. Additionally, many people assume that their withdrawal symptoms are caused by something else and don’t see the correlation with their use.
5. Your Loved Ones Express Concern
You may have a family member, friend, or partner comment on your substance use habits and express concern.
In this situation, if you are runaway that you have a problem, you might become defensive, irritable, or shrug off the comments. Many people with drug addiction make excuses for their own use, feel that they are being attacked or being judged.
If your loved ones have expressed their concern over your use, it is a common sign that you might need to go to rehab.
The experienced and compassionate team at Ohana Recovery Center can help guide you through your recovery journey.
6. You’re Struggling at Work or School
This is one of the less subtle signs that you might require substance abuse treatment.
There are many ways that your drug use can get in the way of your success at work or school. Here are some ways in which your substance use can affect your work and school priorities:
- You are falling behind in schoolwork or making mistakes at work
- You miss school or work because you are hungover or having withdrawal
- You are too intoxicated to attend school or work
- You miss important deadlines because of your use
- You no longer maintain a relationship with your classmates or coworkers
If any of these is happening to you on a regular basis, you want to consider treatment. There are several treatment options to suit your individual needs.
Don’t Ignore These Six Signs That You Should Go to Rehab
While going to rehab might seem overwhelming, it is a crucial part of regaining control over your drug use and your life. If you think you may have a drug addiction, these signs will help you determine if you should go to rehab: you’re mentally and physically sick, you cannot function without your drug, you look different, you have withdrawal symptoms, your work is suffering, and your loved ones are concerned.
If you’re ready to get the help that you need and deserve, contact Ohana Recovery Center for a variety of treatment services.
