Addiction to drugs and alcohol is a serious problem today and may not be easy to detect. Drugs used for recreation can become a habit and can be fatal. So how do you know that someone is abusing drugs? A change in behavior is probably the first thing you notice about someone which indicates that something is wrong. They might not think clearly or may seem distracted. The following are behavior changes that might indicate that someone is using drugs:
- Depression
- Change in their habits or priorities
- A change in weight
- Increased irritability
- They may become more aggressive
- Posting cryptic messages on social media
- They might appear lethargic or might not seem to have a lot of energy
- Eyes may appear bloodshot
- Their personality may change
- Their attitude may change
- Sleeping too much or too little
- They might get involved in criminal activity to support the habit
- A haggard appearance
- May not have proper physical coordination
Drug use may affect physiological processes. When a drug is used for a long time the body develops tolerance such that it adapts to the drug. The user might feel the need to increase the dosage of the drug to feel better and this might lead to a drug overdose which can be fatal, visit site to find the right programs for Drug Rehab
Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol is the most consumed substance and the most abused. It might seem to be just a drink but depending on the person it can lead to addiction. Alcohol abuse is when a person who consumes alcohol regularly becomes an addict whereby the consumption of the alcohol is not controlled. A dependency on alcohol is whereby a person cannot function without taking the alcohol. Without their usual drink, they get to suffer from withdrawal symptoms that can be serious the same case applies to the misuse of drugs. Drinking too much alcohol can also lead to drunk driving and alcohol poisoning.
Binge drinking is when a person takes an amount that the body can’t handle, in a certain period of time. For men, the consumption of 5 or more drinks in 2 hours and women more than 4 drinks in the same duration can be lethal. Too much consumption of alcohol can lead to liver problems and cancers of the throat, colon as well as heart problems, pancreatitis, and stomach problems. A person with a drinking problem may show signs of:
- Slurred speech
- Vomiting
- Headaches
- Anxiety
- Breathing problems
- Impaired judgment
- Insomnia
- Memory loss
Rehabilitation
Rehab centers are structured and controlled environments that offer treatment options and a support system. An alcohol use disorder can result in many problems. A person with a serious drinking or drug problem might neglect their responsibilities and may not control their drinking which can strain their relationships. They may also slack on their jobs and school work. They may want to drink more and neglect their duties.
It is important to identify when someone is addicted to drugs or alcohol so that they get the much-needed help. In as much as drugs are considered a recreational necessity, when abused they can be life-threatening.