Recognizing the warning signs that a friend of loved on is struggling with addiction can be difficult. Many people suffering from addiction or alcoholism will go to great lengths to hide or downplay their problem. They are often unwilling, or possibly unaware, that their substance use or drinking has progressed to the point of addiction. Friends and family usually become aware of changes in a person’s behavior that are indicative of addiction or alcoholism. Addiction occurs when an individual’s drug or alcohol use become compulsive and they persist in using or drinking despite the negative consequences. Addiction is progressive and symptoms will get worse overtime. Early identification of the disease can mean the difference between life and death for many men and women suffering from addiction or alcoholism. There are both physical and behavioral warning signs that indicate an individual is addicted to or abusing substances. When one is suffering from addiction, their motivation and thinking is driven by the desire for intoxication—hygiene and self-care often fall by the wayside. WebMD explains, “You look different. You may have bloodshot eyes, bad breath, shakes or tremors, frequent bloody noses, or you may have gained or lost weight.” Dilated or constricted pupils, glazed eyes, and often appearing sick or tired can all be indicators that someone is struggling with substance abuse. Behavioral changes, however, are often much more telling. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence points out a variety of changes that may occur when an individual is suffering from alcoholism or addiction: “Spending less time on activities that used to be important (hanging out with family and friends, exercising, pursuing hobbies or other interests) because of the use of alcohol or drugs; drop in attendance and performance at work or school,” and “anxiety or jumpiness; shakiness or trembling; sweating, nausea and vomiting, insomnia, depression, irritability, fatigue or loss of appetite and headaches.” Other factors, such as secrecy, risk-taking, relationship problems, and continued use despite negative consequences, can all be warning signs that a person’s drug or alcohol use has progressed to the point of addiction.
Your story does not have to be one of pain and suffering in addiction or alcoholism. You can seek help now and find a happy and joyous life in sobriety. Oceanfront Recovery, a treatment facility in beautiful Laguna Beach, offers a variety of effective treatment techniques and methodologies to give you all the tools needed to achieve and maintain sobriety. For more information about individualized treatment options, please call today: (877) 279-1777
