Drug and alcohol addiction negatively affects people all over the globe. But it can still be hard to see the signs of addiction in the people you love. Many red flags for drug and alcohol addiction include physical signs as well as psychological and behavioral changes. Luckily, it is easy to educate yourself on the common signs of a drug addiction. If you notice any of the signs below in someone special, they may be struggling with addiction. In such a case, we advise contacting the Georgia Addiction Treatment Center.
Physical Signs of a Drug Addiction
For many, realizing that someone they care about is suffering from addiction can be quite a shock. Often, this realization raises questions such as, ‘How could I not have realized this sooner?’ or ‘How could this happen to someone I love?’ But don’t blame yourself. Sometimes, the physical signs happen very slowly and are difficult to identify. Individuals suffering from addiction can hide physical signs that include:
- Irregular Sleeping Patterns: Addiction disrupts natural sleep cycles. People may struggle to fall asleep due to anxiety or withdrawal symptoms, or they might sleep for extended periods but wake up feeling unrested.
- Husky Voice: Chronic dehydration, irritation from inhaled substances, and throat infections caused by a weakened immune system can all contribute to a hoarse or raspy voice.
- Poor Hygiene Habits: Preoccupation with the addictive substance and a decline in self-care often lead to a noticeable decline in hygiene. This can include unwashed clothes with body odor, unkempt hair and beard, and neglecting to shower regularly.
- Tremors: These involuntary shaking movements can be a sign of withdrawal symptoms or nerve damage caused by certain substances.
- Impaired Physical Coordination: Addiction can affect the central nervous system, leading to problems with balance, reaction time, and overall coordination. This can manifest as clumsiness, difficulty walking, or slurred speech.
It’s crucial to remember that these symptoms may point to other medical conditions. It is important to get medical attention if you observe any combination of these changes in a loved one, in addition to behavioral changes that may indicate addiction. An early intervention plus drug treatment in Georgia can have a profound impact on their road to recovery.
Skin Changes
The largest organ, the skin, bears the brunt of the ongoing struggle an addicted body goes through. Dryness and flakiness might result from dehydration and disrupted nutrition flow caused by substance-induced changes or neglect. Reduced blood flow results in a pale, unhealthy complexion. Certain drugs, such as alcohol, can break capillaries in the face, causing redness and spider veins. Addiction can speed up collagen breakdown, resulting in wrinkles, drooping skin, and a prematurely aged appearance. Acne breakouts can arise from hormonal abnormalities caused by specific drugs. In the most severe cases, open sores, boils, and other diseases can result from poor hygiene and a compromised immune system.
Respiratory Problems
Addiction can cling to the lungs like a vice. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are directly caused by drug and tobacco smoking, which also damages lung tissue. These illnesses impair lung capacity, produce a chronic cough, and make breathing difficult. A few drugs can also inhibit the central nervous system, which lowers breathing rate and raises the possibility of shallow breathing or even respiratory depression, both of which can be lethal. Airway inflammation brought on by inhaled irritants can cause wheezing and symptoms similar to asthma.
Digestive Problems
Addiction throws the digestive tract into disarray. Malnutrition can result from shifts in appetite and problems with nutrient absorption. Certain chemicals cause nausea, vomiting, and gastritis by directly irritating the stomach lining. Others cause bloating and constipation by slowing down digestion. In contrast, diarrhea may result from some addictions as a result of the body trying to flush out poisons. Poor food choices and ongoing neglect can worsen these issues and result in long-term digestive problems.
Behavioral Signs of a Drug Addict
Spotting the behavioral signs of drug addiction in adults, especially in someone you care about, can be difficult. They may try to hide their struggles, and some changes can be mistaken for everyday stress or personality quirks. This can even take a toll on the relationship if left unaddressed. However, some patterns can emerge, and recognizing these red flags can be the first step towards getting them the help they need. Read on to learn more about the behaviors of an addict to keep in mind.
Mood Swings
Everyone experiences mood swings to some degree. But when someone you care about changes their demeanor from being generally calm to abruptly becoming out of control, it commonly is a sign of addiction. Drastic mood swings are signs you should be on the lookout for, as they could also indicate mental health issues.
Isolation
A common behavior for people suffering from addiction is to isolate themselves emotionally, mentally, or socially. As a result, addicts may not spend much time with family, friends, children, or partners. One major reason behind this behavior is to avoid questions concerning where their money goes or explanations about their weight loss or weight gain.
If you find someone becoming defensive or secretive, this is another sign you should take seriously. Withdrawing to feed their addiction is a common behavior for someone struggling with addiction. They feel the need to keep their addiction a secret, and this encourages them to mislead people about their daily life and activities.
Avoiding Responsibilities
When someone is battling addiction, they may fail to handle their daily responsibilities. Things to look out for include going to work or school, caring for their pets or children, or caring for their home. Other red flags include missing deadlines and forgetting obligations or events like meetings.
Odd Sleeping Schedule
Taking any form of drug or alcohol takes its toll on your regular sleeping schedule. Someone suffering from addiction may have erratic sleeping habits, such as staying up very late or oversleeping. Often, people who use chemicals will stay awake for long periods to maintain their high. And the aftereffect is that they may sleep for an extended time when they eventually crash.
Financial Difficulty
All types of addiction are expensive habits. So, someone suffering from addiction may have to borrow money from family or friends or even sell off prized possessions to afford their addiction. Recognizing this sign as early as possible is important before the vicious cycle destroys their financial well-being.
Always Be Vigilant for the Signs of Addiction
The signs of addiction are not the same for everyone. They generally depend on what type of substance the person is dealing with and the various characteristics of the individual. But addiction leads to a wide range of negative outcomes, including failed relationships, problems with performance at school or work, financial difficulties, and health problems.
Luckily, addiction is a treatable disease, and there is help available. Here at our drug rehab in Georgia, we offer a comprehensive range of addiction treatment programs, including our partial hospitalization program (PHP) that provides structure and support while allowing you to maintain some aspects of your daily life. We also understand the importance of involving loved ones in the recovery process. Our family therapy program can help mend broken relationships and create a strong support system for lasting healing. Don’t hesitate to reach out for a confidential consultation.
