Individuals dealing with substance abuse issues may think they have things under control. However, friends, family, co-workers, and others could observe something far different – they might notice all the ways someone’s life suffers under the weight of addiction. Self-awareness may help a substance abuser take steps to address the problem. Here are six signs that suggest a person could be struggling heavily with an addiction:
Troubling Personality Changes
When someone suffers from an addiction, the physical and psychological toll could alter the person’s personality. An addict might become withdrawn and depressed, losing interest in things that once provided much joy.
The person could become agitated and easily angered, as some drugs’ stimulant effects, such as methamphetamines, might put someone on edge and ready to lash out.
Addicts might discover important relationships in their lives fall apart because of how drugs alter their behaviors and interactions with other people.
Decline in Hygiene
An addict may not notice a decline in personal hygiene. Still, others might find it impossible not to see someone’s personal appearance begin to suffer, and fundamental acts of essential cleanliness start to disappear.
The afflicted individual may appear unkempt, not caring about their hair or clothing. Not washing oneself regularly may lead to body odor, and clothes might smell after not changing them for days at a time. The person’s home could become an outright mess, long in need of a thorough cleaning.
Ultimately, addictions may take over a person’s life completely, and the person may cease to care about anything else, including personal hygiene. Someone might not know how bad they are derelict in their personal care, as drugs or alcohol become the only thing they concern themselves with. The psychological and physical addiction to substances often drives such changes.
Financial Woes
There are several reasons why a substance abuser could run into financial troubles. For one, the person could experience decreased motivation at work and lose their job. Self-employed persons may lack, not earning as much as they could.
Alcohol and drugs cost money, so reduced income might lead to borrowing and charging, driving up debt. Legal troubles bring attorney costs, court fines, and other expenses.
Anyone arrested for driving under the influence could lose their license, which may significantly impact earning potential. Those who continue to drive after a license suspension might suffer costly legal consequences, adding further costs and stress to the person’s life.
Problems with the Law
Those who find themselves in serious legal trouble might finally realize how disastrous a life controlled by addictions is. Counseling and medication assisted treatment may help someone get their life back under control.
Hopefully, the substance abuser will regain control before being arrested for drunk driving, theft, or other addiction-driven crimes. Addicts may cause fatal drunk driving accidents, leading to financially devastating lawsuits and possibly lengthy jail sentences.
Health Problems
Both long-term and short-term use of alcohol and drugs could cause severe health issues. Alcoholics might suffer from liver and heart-related problems, including life-threatening illnesses.
Various drugs may contribute to multiple health issues, including dental disease and cancer. Without proper treatment, these health problems could continue to worsen.
Acute illnesses and adverse effects are also possible. Certain drugs might cause acute liver failure, and overdoses may lead to fatal heart attacks. Consuming too much of a particular drug at one time might bring about these reactions.
Tolerance and Withdrawal
The more someone uses a particular substance, the higher the individual’s tolerance could become. So, the addict may continue using more substances to procure the desired effect. Sometimes, the amount needed per day may come with life-threatening risks.
Some may wish to stop using, but not getting drugs or alcohol might lead to withdrawal symptoms since the body is now physically addicted. Attempts to quit “cold turkey” without medical supervision could prove dangerous and potentially fatal.
Even with proper care, a recovering addict might relapse after treatment. So, continuing treatment and counseling may be necessary to overcome the condition.
Conclusion
Several signs and factors could indicate that someone’s drug or alcohol use is spiraling out of control. Those suffering from addictions may need medical treatment to address the problem. Otherwise, things may continue to worsen and become potentially life-threatening.