Drug abuse is a serious chronic, disease featuring uncontrollable craving for drugs of all type ranging from opiates to alcohol to nicotine. Realizing that one has a drug problem is the first step to recovery, requiring much strength and courage. Facing your addiction is frightening, but recovery is possible.
If you are willing and able to seek help, you can become free of addiction and lead a productive, drug free life. Do not attempt to go it alone. You can use the support from friends, family and community as well as health care team of doctors and counselors. You can recover with guidance, comfort and encouragement from all these. For instance, rehab facilities in Ohio are a sign of community support for addicts in the state.
Drug abusers often deny or suppress that they have a problem. If your relative or friend has become an addict, you can look for the following signs to discover whether they have a problem:
PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS:
The following are the physical signs of a drug abuse problem:
- Pupils smaller or larger than normal; blood shot eyes
- Changes in sleep patterns or appetite
- Sudden gain or loss in body weight
- Deterioration of personal habits of grooming and altered appearance
- Unusual smells in clothing, body or breath
- Impaired co-ordination, slurred speech and tremors
BEHAVIOURAL SYMPTOMS:
- Truancy from school or work
- Less productivity at work or in school.
- Unexplained financial problems or craving for money.
- Resorting to even stealing money
- Engaging in suspicious or secretive behaviour
- Frequent involvement in illegal acts like accidents and fights
- Sudden change in hobbies, hang-outs and friends
PSYCHOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS OF DRUG ABUSE:
- Unexplained alterations in attitude and personality
- Sudden angry outbursts, irritability and mood swings
- Periods of giddiness, hyperactivity or agitation
- Lethargic or lacking in motivation
- Appears paranoid, anxious or fearful for no reason
WARNING SIGNS OF COMMONLY ABUSED DRUGS:
- Marijuana:
Red, glassy eyes, loud speech, unusual laughter, sleepiness, loss of motivation, weight gain or loss.
- Depressants:
Contracted pupils, clumsiness, poor concentration, slurred speech, sleepiness.
- Inhalants (glues, vapors, aerosols):
Impaired vision, disruption in memory, secretions from mouth or nose, nausea and headaches, drowsiness, intoxication, irritability and anxiety.
- Stimulants ( Amphetamines, cocaine):
Euphoria, hyperactivity, dilated pupils, anxiety, excessive speech, periods of no sleep or eating.
- Hallucinogens (LSD):
Irrational, bizarre behaviour such as paranoia and hallucinations, social detachment, mood swings.
- Heroin:
contraction of pupils, unusual sleeps patterns, needle marks, vomiting, coughing, and no appetite.
WHEN A LOVED ONE HAS A DRUG PROBLEM:
- Speak up: Talk to the addict about his/ her problem and offer support without being judgmental. Early treatment is beneficial and don’t wait till he or she has hit rock bottom. Help the addict use detox centers in Ohio.
- Self care: While being involve in the drug problem of a loved one, do not neglect your needs and avoid dangerous situations.
- Do not blame self: you can offer your support to an addict, but you cannot force him or her to change. Let the addict take up some responsibility in the treatment and do not blame yourself if you don’t succeed.
These are some aspects about the symptoms of drug use and what you can do about it.