Tag Archives: Drug Addiction

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How A Healthy Diet Can Help During Addiction Programs in West Virginia?

For many of us, our dietary habits seem insignificant and don’t really preoccupy us all that much. After settling into some rather healthy nutritional habits, we tend to leave it at that – if at that. This might work in general, everyday life settings, but in the context of addiction eating healthy is absolutely vital. An abundance of substances can directly impact appetite and nutritional intake, which in turn affects mental and physical health. Thus, a healthy diet can help during addiction programs in West Virginia and beyond. Continue reading →

How to Control Anxiety During Cocaine Rehab in WV?

There are many reasons why the thought of going into rehab for your cocaine addiction might fill you with anxiety. You will, of course, have to give up substances, which is not easy. There’re also the fear of what people will think of you when they find out, the self-doubt that you can complete the program, being away from your family and friends if you opt for inpatient drug rehab in WV, and talking through your experiences in therapy. All of this can make addiction treatment quite stressful and anxiety-inducing. If you know what you’re getting yourself into, you can learn how to control anxiety during cocaine rehab in WV before you start the process. This will make your road to sobriety easier and may even give you some useful skills to employ after treatment too.

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Developing a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle During Your Recovery in WV

Prolonged use of substances will negatively impact your health – both mental and physical. One of the most common side effects of drugs and alcohol is on the heart and the cardiovascular system. Drugs can raise or lower your blood pressure to dangerous degrees, send your heart into overdrive, and even cause a heart attack. Repeatedly putting your heart under that kind of stress can cause permanent damage. This is why the best drug and alcohol treatment centers in West Virginia never focus on psychotherapy alone; instead, rehab should help heal your body as well as your mind. Developing a heart-healthy lifestyle during your recovery in WV is an important part of that as it can prevent further damage to the heart, help you avoid heart disease, and ultimately prolong your life.

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The Benefits Of Physical Activity In Recovery From Alcohol or Drug Addiction

Prolonged use of substances takes a toll on the body as well as the mind. When you decide to seek treatment for your addiction you’ll also want to start working on your physical wellness. This is why the best rehabs in WV include physical activities in their treatment programs. That shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone who is familiar with the benefits of physical activity in recovery from alcohol or drug addiction – improved physical health, lower stress levels, better immunity, easier time focusing, and more. Whether you are joining an organized fitness training or doing your own thing, make sure to get some exercise in regularly during your recovery.

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The Risks of Trying To Detox at Home and Reasons To Join One of The Recovery Centers in WV

  • Every journey to recovery begins with detoxification, with practically no exceptions. It is the first step toward freedom from addiction, and likely one of the most physically challenging stages of it. Those who may fear the rehab process or be discouraged from it may opt for DIY detox. But should you be trying to detox at home? No – as treatment professionals, and for your own health and safety, we must be absolutely clear and upfront about this. Continue reading →
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How to Choose Between Recovery Centers in West Virginia?

Choosing the right addiction center in West Virginia for yourself or your family member is one of the few life-changing decisions you will ever have to make. Fortunately, rehabs in WV offer a range of substance abuse treatments and services that meet the highest standards of medical and psychological support. Here we talk about criteria to take into consideration to help you choose between recovery centers in West Virginia Continue reading →

Addiction and Suicide

Addiction and suicide present a very complex relationship. Experiencing suicidal thoughts have the power to lead and increase the risk of addiction. Similarly, addiction has the potential to increase the risk of suicide. Substance abuse and suicide also have a tricky dynamic involved with depression. It’s important to note before reading this article that there is hope, you are not alone, and numerous suicidal treatment centers are looking to deliver support and care.

What Is Substance Addiction?

Substance addiction, also known as drug addiction or a substance use disorder, is a disease that affects an individual’s behavior and brain. This is because substance addiction causes people to not be able to control their use of legal or illegal drugs. 

When an individual is addicted to a substance, he or she might continue to engage in substance abuse despite the harm it may cause. Addiction can begin with the experimental use of recreational drugs in a social situation. For some individuals, from that first encounter, drug use becomes more frequent. Other individuals, especially those engaging in opioid use, might even start abusing substances because they received medications from friends or relatives who have been prescribed the medications. 

The actual risk of substance abuse and addiction varies depending on the drug and how addictive it is. It also varies depending on how susceptible to developing a substance addiction a person is. There are some drugs, such as opioid painkillers, that quickly cause addiction and are, in turn, riskier to use altogether. 

What is Drug Dependency?

As time goes by, you might find that you desire and need higher doses of drugs to feel high.

Once this occurs, individuals engaging in substance abuse might discover that they need drugs to even feel sane. As such people’s drug use continues to increase, it might become progressively more challenging for them to go without the use of drugs. 

When a person attempts to stop drug use altogether, that can cause severe drug cravings and make the person physically sick. When a person experiences cravings for a drug when minimizing or discontinuing use of it, that person is experiencing withdrawal symptoms. This means that that person is dependent on that drug. 

Once individuals develop drug dependency, substance addiction isn’t too far behind. This is why it’s crucial to enter into an addiction treatment center for help once one feels any sort of dependency or addiction.

What Are Signs That a Person Is Suicidal? 

There are numerous signs that a person is suicidal. Similarly to every individual that is different who contemplates suicide, the warning signs that people might display are different. There are, however, “classic” suicide warning signs that some individuals demonstrate before taking their own life. 

Some individuals disclose no suicidal warning signs publicly. In fact, an individual will rarely present a full range of the suicide warning signs listed here today. Many of the individuals that do display suicide warning signs though do not attempt or fall victim to the thief that is suicide. 

The Most Common Warning Signs That a Person May be Suicidal 

  • Abandoning hobbies and other sources of enjoyment
  • A sudden decrease in academic and work performance 
  • Expressing a feeling of being trapped or desire for death 
  • Isolation from friends and family
  • Heavy alcohol and drug use
  • Acting anxious or agitated 
  • Avoiding social situations
  • Reckless behavior 
  • Extreme irritability 
  • Hopelessness
  • Insomnia 

What Are Some Other Warning Signs?

Many individuals will give warning signs or signals of substance addiction and suicide plans. The best thing that you can do to prevent a loved one from committing suicide is to be aware of suicidal warning signs. Once you learn how to respond to such warning signs appropriately, such knowledge can indeed be very helpful. 

Other warning signs of suicide include:

  • Sudden personality changes and drastic mood swings
  • Loss of interest in day-by-day activities
  • Getting affairs in order, saying goodbye
  • Sleeping and eating pattern changes
  • Self-destructive behavior
  • A sudden sense of calm 
  • No hope for the future
  • Talking about suicide 
  • Self-hatred

If you spot any suicide warning signs in a loved one, you could be faced with the heavy decision of deciding if you should say anything or not. However, it’s fair to say that an individual that talks about suicide often or shows many suicide warning signs needs immediate assistance. Luckily, there are rehab facilities that treat addiction and suicide.  

You talking to the individual that is struggling with addiction and suicide will likely not make the situation worse. In fact, it instead will likely make the situation better. When you’re able to show that you care about a person’s struggle with addiction and suicide, it gives the person struggling the opportunity to open up to you and discuss his or her feelings. This, in turn, could actually prevent a person from committing suicide. 

 If a loved one confesses to you about his or her addiction and suicide thoughts, help enroll your loved one in professional treatment centers for suicidal patients. Also, provide your loved one with support and empathy. Let your loved one know that he or she is not alone and that you deeply care. 

How Can Substance Addiction Cause Suicidal Thoughts?

Substance addiction can cause suicidal thoughts in various ways. Addiction and suicide have an interconnected and close relationship along with depression. Over 90% of the individuals that fall victim to suicide struggle with depression, have an active substance abuse disorder, or both. 

When you think of substance abuse and suicide, it’s imperative to understand that the relationship between the two is dangerous. Both can trigger the appearance of the other. 

People that suffer from mental illness conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, major depression, and bipolar disorder often turn to alcohol, drugs, and gambling, along with numerous other high-risk activities as a way to alleviate their negative feelings or numb their pain. Unfortunately, though, substance addiction increases the duration and severity of depressive episodes. Thus, while one is gaining temporary relief, the likelihood of suicidal thoughts or ideation is increased. Furthermore, suicidal ideation is aggravated by the fact that addiction usually destroys or damages professional, financial, personal, and familial relationships. 

What Age Group Is Most Suicidal?

The age group that is the most suicidal is young people, ranging from around 10-34. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death amongst Americans. It is the second leading cause of death among Americans in the age range of 15-34 and the third leading cause of death among Americans in the age range of 10-14. 

Suicide is the intentional ending of one’s own life through one own’s actions. Suicide is considered to be one of the greatest health epidemics in the nation by numerous professionals in the medical field. In 2019, about 45,511 died from suicide in America. Suicide rehabilitation at treatment centers for suicidal patients is one of the main ways to combat this issue. 

Does Therapy Work for Suicidal Thoughts?

Therapy works tremendously for suicidal thoughts. Suicidal ideation and previous suicide attempts can take quite an emotional toll on an individual and the people close to him or her. It’s even possible that a person struggling with addiction and suicide can become so engrossed with suicidal thoughts that they’re no longer able to function on a day-by-day basis. 

Previous suicide attempts can leave permanent scars on the person struggling with substance abuse and suicide, along with crippling injuries such as organ failure and brain injuries. Thus, the sooner an individual that suffers from addiction and suicide enters suicide rehabilitation, the better. Not only can suicide rehabilitation and addiction treatment save a life, but they can also assist people in moving past dark times in their lives. 

For individuals who are struggling with suicidal ideation, a suicide treatment facility that offers inpatient treatment can be helpful.  Through this type of treatment method, individuals that are struggling with suicidal ideation will be able to:

  • Receive the type of therapies needed to get to the root of what is causing their suicidal thoughts
  • Undergo treatment for the presence of their substance abuse problems
  • Receive any medication they might need

What Are the Effects of Suicide and Suicidal Thoughts?

The long-term effects of suicidal thoughts can present to be extremely catastrophic for all parties that are involved. They might include the following:

  • Damage to all organ systems
  • Brain damage and death 
  • Severe injury
  • Seizures 
  • Coma 

The Effects on Suicide Survivors

There has been recent research that has indicated that for each successful suicide attempt, there are about 6-8 loved ones who are left behind. They are called suicide survivors and they are often consumed by several conflicting emotions such as:

  • Grief over losing someone they care about
  • Anger 
  • Guilt 

Other Effects

  • Intense feelings that they could have prevented the loss of their loved ones
  • Complicated grieving
  • Deep depression 
  • Extreme guilt 
  • Shame
  • Anger

Who Can I Contact if I Have Suicidal Thoughts?

If you are having suicidal thoughts, you can contact The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7 at 800-273-8255. They are available for you for free, all hours of the day and night. There are so many organizations that are dedicated to suicide prevention. Countless resources are here to help. It’s paramount that you also enter into one of the many suicidal treatment centers. 

What Does a Therapist Do if a Patient Is Suicidal?

The initial first step that a therapist will do if a patient is suicidal is to talk with him or her and listen carefully as the patient tells his or her story. There might be a test performed to evaluate how suicidal the individual might be. Depending on the suicide treatment facility, the individual might be asked to fill out paperwork surrounding suicide. 

Therapy will be able to fully get to the root of the problem at suicidal treatment centers. One of the most effective forms of therapy there is family therapy. This is because oftentimes suicidal individuals resort to isolation. This therapy though will further remind individuals that they are not alone. Families might also be able to provide the therapist with some insight on the cause of the individual’s suicidal attempts, and what could change to make their lives better. 

Once the family provides the necessary support at treatment centers for suicidal patients, they will be able to help that person from sliding back into an isolated mode. Typically, the family is asked to agree upon working with the individual to transform the family dynamics into one of mutual encouragement, light, support, and hope.  Furthermore, for the individual struggling with suicidal ideation, the therapist, and the family act as a solid team to improve relationships and lives. 

Beat Suicide Ideation at a Suicide Treatment Facility 

It’s important to remember that you are a whole person, not just a collection of symptoms, issues, and problems. By attending suicide rehabilitation, you are able to focus on becoming the best version of yourself again. It’s possible to be a person that’s free from addiction and that’s able to cope when life matters. Call now to hear more about addiction and suicide rehabilitation.

References:

https://recovery.org/drug-treatment/suicidal-thoughts/

https://www.aamft.org/Consumer_Updates/suicidal_thoughts.aspx#:~:text=Initially%2C%20the%20therapist%20will%20talk,suicide%20without%20first%20seeking%20help.

Opioid Addiction Treatment

Opioid use disorder, or opioid addiction, is a medical condition that can affect any race, gender, income level, or social class. Some people begin taking prescription opioids to manage pain after a surgery or injury. And some people begin taking them to manage chronic pain. No matter what the circumstance is, prescription opioids can be addictive and dangerous, but recovery is possible. Treatment can help people get their lives back before it’s too late. No single treatment method is right for everyone, but research shows that combining behavioral therapy with medications for opioid use disorder is the most effective approach for overcoming opioid addiction.

Read on to learn more about the opioid addiction epidemic and what YOU can do to get the help you need. 

What are opioids?

Opioids, sometimes called narcotics, are a type of drug. They include strong prescription pain relievers, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, and tramadol. The illegal drug heroin is also an opioid. A health care provider may give you a prescription opioid to reduce pain after you have had a major injury or surgery. You may get them if you have severe pain from health conditions like cancer. Some health care providers prescribe them for chronic pain. Prescription opioids used for pain relief are generally safe when taken for a short time and as prescribed by your healthcare provider. However, opioid misuse and addiction are still potential risks.

What is the best treatment for opioid addiction?

People have become addicted to opioids for centuries. However, opioid use has escalated since 2000 with the development and marketing of powerful painkillers that are highly addictive and carry an enormous risk of overdose. Prescription opioid painkiller addiction has a lot in common with heroin addiction, but there are important differences that influence the kind of treatment that will be most effective. Opioid addiction is one of the most challenging addictions to overcome. But there are treatment options available that can help with the physical, psychological, and social aspects of substance use disorders.

Evidence-Based Addiction Treatment

When considering addiction treatment, it’s important to establish that it’s evidence-based. This means that the treatment has been studied and shown to be effective for many people with the condition. If all of the physical, social, and mental health aspects of opioid addiction are not addressed, the treatment is not likely to be successful and the person may relapse. Therefore, these treatments should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that is consistently followed before, during, and after the person quits opioids.

Which medication is frequently used to treat opioid addiction?

Methadone, when administered properly, is included in treatment with counseling. It is always provided in a clinic setting when used to treat opioid use disorder. It helps to relieve withdrawal and address cravings.

The medicine buprenorphine also relieves opioid cravings without giving the same high as other opioid drugs. Prescribed by many physicians from office settings, this is typically a daily dose placed under the tongue and also can be delivered as a once-a-month injection or through thin tubes that are inserted under the skin and that last six months. 

These medicines both activate opioid receptors in the body that suppress cravings and are effective and similar in safety and side effects, and typically used for maintenance treatment. They also can be used to taper a person off of opioids. However, it is common for patients to relapse, and physicians must try something different with those patients who relapse several times. Patients who are highly motivated and have good social support have a tendency to do better with these therapies.

Naltrexone is a very different medicine and doesn’t turn the opioid receptor on, but instead blocks the euphoric/sedative effects of opioids. A patient’s system must be completely free of all opioids before beginning naltrexone. It can be taken orally or as a once-a-month injection. 

Emergency

Naloxone can be used in an emergency situation when respiratory arrest, due to an opioid overdose, has occurred or is imminent. Naloxone flushes out receptors and can reverse the overdose but is not a form of addiction treatment.  

Talk with a doctor to find out what types of treatments are available in your area and what options are best for you. Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease; be sure to ask your doctor about the risk of relapse and overdose.

How Successful is Opioid Addiction Treatment?

The success of therapy for substance use disorder varies by patient and by the severity of the disorder. And also can be influenced by complications of comorbidities, such as alcohol use or mental illness. Research has shown that there is a higher rate of substance use in patients with diagnoses such as depression and those who use other substances such as alcohol. Integrated treatment for both mental health and substance use disorders are needed in cases where these occur together. The environment and family or friend relationships can also play an important role. Some patients will repeat therapy and relapse many times before having success.

How to Encourage Someone to Seek Help for Opioid Addiction

With substance abuse, when patients are ready to deal with their issues they need an open door and help immediately. The person with an addictive disorder should want to participate in treatment. Navigating that change can be challenging for friends and family members. As with most other chronic diseases, addiction is treatable. If you or someone you know is struggling, treatment is available. While no single treatment method is right for everyone, recovery is possible, and help is available for opioid addiction.

Preventing overdose death and finding treatment options are the first steps to recovery. Treatment may save a life and can help people struggling with opioid addiction get their lives back on track by allowing them to counteract addiction’s powerful effects on their brain and behavior. The overall goal of treatment is to return people to productive functioning in their family, workplace, and community.

Managing Pain in Recovery

Most people experience some kind of pain during their lives. Pain serves an important purpose: it warns the body when it’s in danger. But ongoing pain causes distress and affects the quality of life. Pain is the number one reason people see a doctor. Providing pain control for the 5% to 17% of the U.S. population with a substance abuse disorder of some type presents primary care physicians with unique challenges. When these individuals experience pain, they are less likely to receive adequate pain management than individuals in the general population. To find effective treatment options, talk to your doctor about managing your pain safely. 

A conversation with your doctor can help you understand nonopioid pain management options after opioid addiction treatment. Discuss:

  • your health history,
  • how your activities have been impacted by pain, and
  • what you hope to gain from managing your pain.

Having detailed discussions with your doctor about your pain management and function goals can help your doctor identify the best treatment with the lowest level of risk.

Addiction Treatment with Harmony Ridge Recovery

Many people are able to make significant changes in their lives and maintain remission by finding or creating social networks and environments supportive of recovery efforts. Seek out recovery supports, including mutual aid groups, recovery coaches, and peer recovery services. They can be an important part of each person’s recovery journey.

Has your addiction left you feeling helpless with no way out? Has your loved one’s opioid addiction made them unrecognizable? We understand what you are experiencing and are here to help! Addiction not only negatively impacts the life of the user, but it also wreaks havoc upon the lives of their family and friends. Things may feel hopeless at the moment, but there is a way out. Recovering from alcohol or drug addiction is feasible. 

With dedication, the right support system, and choosing an accredited drug and alcohol treatment program, countless individuals have achieved and maintained sobriety. It’s truly a magical experience to watch patients transform into the confident, happy, and healthy human beings that they once were. That’s what our team does – help those who are struggling to get back on the right track!
Researching the right drug and alcohol treatment facility is the first step towards recovery. Learn more about our commitment to achieving and maintaining long-term recovery.

support groups for families of addicts

Addicted to Drugs – How Long Does it Take?

Individuals who experiment with substances of abuse for the first time usually wonder how long it takes to get addicted to drugs or alcohol. Or, how much can they take before developing an addiction? The answer is complicated because many factors contribute to the development of addiction.

Many people don’t understand why or how other people become addicted to drugs. They may mistakenly think that those who use drugs lack moral principles or willpower and that they could stop their drug use simply by choosing to. In reality, drug addiction is a complex disease, and quitting usually takes more than good intentions or a strong will. Drugs change the brain in ways that make quitting hard, even for those who want to. Fortunately, researchers know more than ever about how drugs affect the brain and have found treatments that can help people recover from drug addiction and lead productive lives.

You may have heard that certain drugs are more addictive than others, or someone may have told you that some drugs are not addictive at all. You may have even witnessed someone using drugs recreationally who didn’t seem to be addicted to what they were taking. What is true, what is not, and just how easy is it to get addicted to drugs? The information here will help you navigate what can be a confusing topic.

 

Addicted To Drugs - How Long Does It Take?

Dependence vs. Addiction

Sometimes, these two terms are often used interchangeably when talking about substance abuse. They are not the same though. It is essential to understand the difference to better understand withdrawals, treatment programs, and sustained recovery. It is important to understand that someone can be addicted to drugs or alcohol without demonstrating a physical dependence to that substance. When people use the term “dependence,” they are usually referring to a physical dependence on a substance. 

Dependence is characterized by the symptoms of tolerance and withdrawal. While it is possible to have a physical dependence without being addicted, addiction is usually right around the corner.

Addiction is marked by a change in behavior caused by the biochemical changes in the brain after continued substance abuse. Substance use becomes the main priority of the addict, regardless of the harm they may cause to themselves or others. Addiction causes people to act irrationally when they don’t have the substance they are addicted to in their system.

Your Brain Addicted to Drugs

You are at the mercy of your brain. It plays a significant role in your dependence on a substance. The first time someone uses a drug, he or she may begin to feel its effects immediately. For example, when someone consumes ecstasy, they experience a burst of euphoria. When they take a painkiller such as oxycodone, they may feel extreme relaxation and reduced anxiety. Your brain reacts differently to each drug, and each drug affects certain areas of the brain. Addiction can be expedited if the substance is injected intravenously, snorted, used in large amounts, or taken in high frequencies. The more you take, or the heavier the dosage, the higher your tolerance becomes over time. This causes the pleasure to weaken and the cravings to heighten. Oftentimes, this result leads to an individual becoming addicted to drugs.

Tolerance Is a Key Symptom of Being Addicted to Drugs

Sometimes an addiction can sneak up on you slowly and insidiously. As you continue to use a drug, you can slowly build up a tolerance to it, which means that you no longer get the same feeling or “high” that you once got by taking a small amount.

Once your tolerance begins to build, you might increase the dose or frequency of taking the drug. You are trying to get that same “high” that you felt in the beginning when your body was not used to the drug. As you continue to build tolerance, you end up taking more of the drug. Your body becomes chemically dependent on the drug. This means you discover that you need to take the drug just to feel normal or leveled out

Health Effects of Addiction

Many people who use illicit drugs think that the only bad thing about doing drugs is that they are illegal and if you get caught, you can go to jail. The truth is there are negative health effects associated with every illegal drug out there and some of them can be fatal.

Cocaine

The effects of cocaine may not be as immediately noticeable as those of meth use, but they can be just as devastating. Although cocaine overdose is rare, the use of the drug can lead to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.4 Cocaine stimulates the central nervous system and affects how the brain processes dopamine. Other health problems can occur depending on how the drug is used: snorted, ingested, or injected.

Methamphetamines

The health effects of methamphetamine use may be the most noticeable and visible of any of the commonly abused illegal drugs because it has such a dramatic effect on the outward appearance of people who chronically use the substance. After a relatively short period of use, methamphetamine will begin to show on the faces of some who use it and begin to rot their teeth. Meth is a stimulant, which affects the body’s central nervous system. It’s highly addictive ​and cheaper than many other street drugs, which is why so many get hooked so easily.

Heroin

Some of the health effects associated with heroin use are not due to the use of the drug itself but related to the manner in which it is used. People who inject heroin can suffer many negative health effects related to infections that develop due to the use of non-sterile injection techniques. It’s easy to overdose on heroin, which is often cut with other toxic substances. Heroin is a highly addictive drug in the opioid family, with withdrawal symptoms beginning shortly after the drug is taken. Studies have also found that heroin use can lead to a loss of the brain’s white matter, which plays a role in a variety of important brain functions.

How Long Does It Take to Get Addicted to Drugs?

There isn’t a simple formula for how long it takes an individual to become addicted. Some users will begin craving the drug immediately after it wears off the first time. Others may use a drug recreationally several times. Or even binge on it a few times, before developing a daily drug habit.

Users of habit-forming prescription drugs may prevent dependency by speaking to their prescribing doctor about the possible risks of dependency. While short-term use of habit-forming drugs may be effective in treating some conditions, long-term use may lead to tolerance and dependency. Especially in those who have a history of substance abuse.

A good indication of how habit-forming a medication is can be its half-life. This is the time it takes for half of a drug’s dosage to be metabolized and eliminated from the bloodstream.

Those with a shorter half-life may take action more quickly, but they also leave the body more quickly. These drugs have a higher risk of withdrawal symptoms and a higher risk of abuse or dependency.

Steps to Prevent Addiction

Opioids are safest when used for three or fewer days to manage acute pain, such as pain that follows surgery or a bone fracture. If you need opioids for acute pain, work with your doctor to take the lowest dose possible, for the shortest time needed, exactly as prescribed.

If you’re living with chronic pain, opioids are not likely to be a safe and effective long-term treatment option. Many other treatments are available, including less-addictive pain medications and nonpharmacological therapies. Aim for a treatment plan that makes it possible to enjoy your life without opioids, if possible.

The most important step you can take to prevent opioid addiction? Recognize that no one is safe, and we all play a role in tackling the grip these drugs currently hold on our loved ones and communities.

Addicted to Drugs? Harmony Ridge Recovery is Here to Help 

The time it takes to pick up the disorder is different for everyone, though evidence shows it may not take very long for some people. Once developed, addiction can consume your everyday life, taking you down a long, dark road. If you or someone you love is addicted to drugs now is the time to reach out and ask for help.

The girl hold her hand in front of her face

Addiction Warning Signs

Drug addiction, also called substance use disorder, is a disease that affects a person’s brain and behavior and leads to an inability to control the use of a legal or illegal drug or medication. Substances such as alcohol, marijuana and nicotine also are considered drugs. When you’re addicted, you may continue using the drug despite the harm it causes. As time passes, you may need larger doses of the drug to get high. Soon you may need the drug just to feel good. As your drug use increases, you may find that it’s increasingly difficult to go without the drug. Attempts to stop drug use may cause intense cravings and make you feel physically ill (withdrawal symptoms). The key to fighting an addiction early is to notice the addiction warning signs as soon as they appear. Today we will take a look at these signs, note where to notice them most often, and discuss what to do if you suspect your addiction is out of control. 

Addiction Warning Signs

Signs and Symptoms 

Recognizing the signs of addiction is the first step to getting help for yourself or guiding someone you care about to rehab. For this reason, it is critical to have an understanding of the signs of addiction. There are behavioral, physical, and psychological aspects of addiction. Symptoms can only be experienced by the person with the addiction, whereas signs can be observed by other people. You can never know what someone else is experiencing unless they tell you, so if you are concerned that someone else may have an addiction, look for signs as well as for symptoms. You might see some of these signs and symptoms but not others in an addicted person, but you can still be addicted even if you do not have all of them.

Addiction Warning Signs to Look For

Recognizing addiction warning signs in someone you know can be harder than it seems. The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) defines addiction as a chronic disease that affects the brain’s reward, motivation, and memory functions. Someone with an addiction will crave a substance or other behavioral habits. They’ll often ignore other areas of life to fulfill or support their desires.

General signs of addiction are:

  • lack of control, or inability to stay away from a substance or behavior
  • decreased socialization, like abandoning commitments or ignoring relationships
  • ignoring risk factors, like sharing needles despite potential consequences
  • physical effects, like withdrawal symptoms or needing higher dosage for effect

These addiction warning signs are commonly linked. The degree of intensity for each sign may depend on how long the addiction has been going on.

A healthy person can usually identify a negative behavior and get rid of it. This is not the case with someone with an addiction. Rather than admit the problem exists, they’ll find ways to justify and continue the behavior.

Common Symptoms of addiction include:

  • Tolerance, which is the need to engage in the addictive behavior more and more to get the desired effect
  • Withdrawal happens when the person does not take the substance or engage in the activity, and they experience unpleasant symptoms, which are often the opposite of the effects of the addictive behavior
  • Difficulty cutting down or controlling the addictive behavior
  • Social, occupational or recreational activities becoming more focused on the addiction, and important social and occupational roles being jeopardized
  • The person becoming preoccupied with the addiction, spending a lot of time on planning, engaging in, and recovering from the addictive behavior
  • Extreme mood changes – happy, sad, excited, anxious, etc
  • Sleeping a lot more or less than usual, or at different times of the day or night
  • Changes in energy – unexpectedly and extremely tired or energetic
  • Weight loss or weight gain
  • Unexpected and persistent coughs or sniffles
  • Seeming unwell at certain times and better at other times
  • Pupils of the eyes seeming smaller or larger than usual

Red Flags

If someone in your house is having a problem with drugs or alcohol, watch for red flags and  addiction warning signs. Frequent use of eye drops or air fresheners can be warning signs. Finding alcohol hidden around the house or in the garage is another. Be suspicious if money goes missing or a bank account starts to get low.

Locked doors and the need for lots of privacy also can be a warning. Also take note of any missing prescription drugs from your medicine cabinet, especially pain medicines. If you spot any of these warning signs in yourself or someone you know, don’t wait to take action. As difficult as it can be to discuss addiction and substance abuse, the disease will only get worse without treatment. Start by talking to your primary care doctor, who can provide guidance on steps you can take to seek treatment, either for yourself or a loved one.

Long-Term Life Consequences

In the middle or later stages of an addiction, the negative effects will be more permanent or have long-term consequences. Someone with a serious addiction problem may allow, ignore, or trivialize these outcomes in favor of continuing their habits.

Potential long-term consequences include:

  • Getting a communicable disease. People who are addicted to a drug are more likely to get an infectious disease, such as HIV, either through unsafe sex or by sharing needles.
  • Other health problems. Drug addiction can lead to a range of both short-term and long-term mental and physical health problems. These depend on what drug is taken.
  • Accidents. People who are addicted to drugs are more likely to drive or do other dangerous activities while under the influence.
  • Suicide. People who are addicted to drugs die by suicide more often than people who aren’t addicted.
  • Family problems. Behavioral changes may cause marital or family conflict and custody issues.
  • Work issues. Drug use can cause declining performance at work, absenteeism and eventual loss of employment.
  • Problems at school. Drug use can negatively affect academic performance and motivation to excel in school.
  • Legal issues. Legal problems are common for drug users and can stem from buying or possessing illegal drugs, stealing to support the drug addiction, driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or disputes over child custody.
  • Financial problems. Spending money to support drug use takes away money from other needs, could lead to debt, and can lead to illegal or unethical behaviors.
  • Dropping out of school or getting poor grades
  • Damaged relationships with friends and family
  • Loss of good standing or tarnished reputation
  • Arrests or jail time
  • Eviction from the home or failed mortgage payments
  • Loss of job
  • Loss of parental rights

Similar events can occur in the lives of people without an addiction problem. But these can become more common when an addiction is present. Before approaching someone you think may have an addiction, determine if the problem is a result of a single incident or a growing problem with the addiction. 

Helping Someone In Need

If you’ve observed some of these addiction warning signs and symptoms of drug use in a friend or loved one, you might feel uncertain about addressing the issue. It can be difficult to communicate your concern, especially if you are worried it might result in a conflict. Still, it is crucial to reach out. 

Here are a few steps you can take to create an intervention plan:

  1. Work with a professional interventionist. Their entire purpose is to help you plan an intervention in the best and safest way possible.
  2. Invite close friends and family.
  3. Plan and practice what you’ll say.

Once you’ve taken action and hosted an intervention, you can discuss your options. In most cases, you’ll have three to choose from:

  • Outpatient detox, where your friend or loved one can detox at home with professional help.
  • Inpatient detox, where your friend or loved one gets the help they need under round-the-clock supervision at a medical facility.
  • Medical detox, which is a medically supervised withdrawal program that can be carried out under outpatient or inpatient supervision.

Addiction Warning Signs – Harmony Ridge Recovery is Here to Help

Recognizing addiction warning signs is the first step on the road to recovery, which often takes tremendous courage and strength.  If you’re ready to face your addiction and are willing to seek help, you have the opportunity to build a satisfying, drug-free life for yourself. Harmony Ridge Recovery Center is here to help. Our substance abuse treatment center offers comprehensive programs tailored to your needs. Whether you need addiction treatment for alcohol or drugs, we can help you recognize your substance abuse problem and, ultimately, overcome it.