When you have a loved one who needs help with substance abuse, the truth is that they may likely be the last person to know they need help. Suppose they are suffering from substance misuse or abuse. In that case, they may not even be aware of how significantly their abuse impacts their lives or relationships. Too often, they’re trying to convince you (and themselves) that it’s not really a problem and that everything is okay. Sadly, they may even realize that there is a problem, but their addiction is so strong, they have a hard time doing anything about it despite the negative consequences. You love them, so it’s important to know – how do you know when your loved one needs help with substance abuse, and how can you get them help?
Your Loved One Needs Help With Substance Abuse: Look For Signs
It may be difficult to tell at first whether your family member or friend needs help with substance abuse. In fact, early stages of misuse may lead them to recognize they’re in danger of addiction, and they may tell you they want to stop as well. They may not be lying about this, but it may be too difficult for them to do so independently. When that’s the case, there are signs you can look for that show your loved one needs help with substance abuse.
Physical Signs Your Loved One May Need Help With Substance Abuse
If your loved one is struggling with substance abuse, you may be able to see physical signs. Drug and alcohol misuse and addiction take a toll on physical health. Someone who is struggling may show the following symptoms:
- Trembling/Shaking hands
- Insomnia
- Dramatic and significant weight loss or gain
- Headaches
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Flushed/uneven skin
- Consistent gastrointestinal issue
- Vomit with blood
- Marks left on their body from injection
- Dilated pupils
- Voice changes
Mental or Emotional Signs Your Loved One Needs Help With Substance Abuse
The problem with addiction is that it often means that a person has tolerance and physical dependence on a substance. That means that their body craves the substance, and they need more and more of it to get the same effect their body is looking for. That also often means you’ll probably see emotional or mental health signs that would suggest they need help with substance abuse.
Some of those include:
- Anxiety
- Depression or mood swings
- Irritability
- Manic / ‘high’ behavior
- Argumentative
- Hopeless
- Neglectful of hygiene or grooming
- Suicidal ideation
The emotional and mental health aspects of substance misuse or addiction can be devastating. They can lead to the loss of relationships, jobs, and more. Additionally, when your loved one is suffering from emotional or mental health symptoms of abuse, there is a concern about their safety and the safety of others. That’s when it’s time to consider how to get them to help with substance abuse.
Behavioral Changes When Your Loved One Needs Help With Substance Abuse
When your loved one needs help with substance abuse, there are likely behavioral changes you’ll notice as well. Mentally and emotionally, they may be different, and that may mean they’ll behave differently, too.
They may suffer from the following:
- Loss of memory or blackouts
- Deceptive behavior
- Excessively borrowing or stealing money
- Neglecting job or relationship obligations
- Lack of participation and enjoyment of activities previously enjoyed
- Engaging in risky behavior despite consequences
- Sneaking to drink or consume a substance
- Unexplained injuries
Additional Signs Your Loved One May Need Help With Substance Abuse
If your loved one struggles with substance abuse, you may encounter some of the drug or alcohol paraphernalia. Obviously, alcoholic evidence is easier to find due to its legal packaging. Still, you may find alcohol in water bottles or proof of your loved one drinking alone during the day or when they’re supposed to be doing something else.
If your loved needs help with drug abuse, you may come across the following that may be various drug paraphernalia:
- Small spoons – used for dissolving drugs in a liquid before injection
- Pipes can be made from different things, including glass, plastic, ceramic, acrylic, and even wood. Cylindrical pipes used to smoke marijuana are called chillums. There are also water pipes or bongs, typically made of glass, for drawing smoke through water to cool before inhalation.
- Cigarette papers – used to roll joints for drugs that are smoked
- Injection needles – used or unused, they’re for injecting certain drugs or crushed medicines
Just because your loved one has any of the above doesn’t mean they are struggling with and need help with substance abuse. But, finding the items is a good indication that there may be a problem and a bigger problem down the road unless they get help.
Desert Cove Recovery: Where To Go If Your Loved One Needs Help With Substance Abuse
Substance misuse and abuse can lead to devastating effects for your loved one. Strained relationships, job losses, and more can be just the beginning of the collateral damage. If you believe your loved one needs help with substance abuse, Desert Cove Recovery is a safe place to turn. Our goal is to help your loved ones overcome substance abuse and addiction so they can live the life they should be living. If your loved one suffers from any of the above issues, it’s likely time for you to share with them hope and healing with Desert Cove. You love them and want the best for them. Our experience and compassion make us the best, and we’re here to walk them through their journey to recovery.