Negosentro.com | 5 Signs That Your Loved One Needs Addiction Help | Addiction is a disease that can be found almost anywhere. Though there are many unhelpful caricatures of addiction, it is a complex disorder, and those who struggle with it need help.
If you are unsure whether or not your loved one needs addiction help, then we want to be the first to say that you are a great friend, supporter, and help to the loved one you are concerned about.
Addiction can cloud people’s judgment, meaning that they sometimes need people like you to help them recognize that they have a problem.
Here are 5 signs that your loved one needs addiction help. There are other signs, but these tend to be the most obvious and frequent among addicts.
- High Tolerance
Addicts tend to have a high tolerance for their substance of choice. The reason for this is that the more they expose themselves to the substance, the more they need to feel the same degree of inebriation.
If you notice that your loved one has an alarmingly high tolerance to alcohol or drugs, then that is a sign that they may need addiction help.
- Changes in Appearance
Addiction dramatically impacts a person’s life. Often, dramatic changes in appearance are a helpful sign that your loved one needs addiction help. You may notice that your loved one is suddenly dressing differently. They may do this to fit in with the surroundings more naturally.
Additionally, those who struggle with substance dependence also tend to forgo their appearance and hygiene. This often causes them to look unhygienic and unkempt. Related to this is their weight. Many addicts start to lose weight dramatically because they replace food with the drug or alcohol they are dependent on.
Any of these changes in appearance can be a sign that your loved one needs addiction help.
- Secretiveness and Evasiveness
Most people with an addiction go to great lengths to hide their habit and behavior. This causes them to be incredibly secretive and evasive about what they’ve been doing or what they plan to do.
You may notice that your loved one is frequently gone without any explanation or notice. If you ask why they are gone, the addict will typically get defensive and angry to keep their secret.
Although everyone is entitled to their privacy, extreme secretiveness and evasiveness is a tale-tell sign of substance abuse and the need for professional help.
- Noticeable Mood Fluctuations
The mood of an addict often shifts rapidly. Without almost any explanation or warning sign, your loved one may go from one extreme to another. This can be a very obvious sign that your loved one needs professional help for their addiction.
However, you should keep in mind that mood swings are a sign of other mental disorders and diseases, as well.
Often, those who struggle with substance abuse and addiction will have these other accompanying issues. If your loved one has both an addiction problem and mental issue, a dual diagnosis treatment Los Angeles can target both the mental health issue and the addiction.
- Loss of Interest
Addicts devote most of their time to their drug or alcohol of choice. This makes them put off time with the hobbies and friends that they enjoyed before. This loss of interest or refusing to go to work is a sign of addiction.
Final Thoughts
Addiction is a serious disease that plagues many people. If your loved one has any of the above symptoms or more, it may be time to reach out for professional help. Though they might resist the help at first, continue to be by their side and not take their anger personally.
