MySubstanceAbuseHelp.com - Recognizing When Your Loved One Needs Substance Abuse Help
One of the worst things about substance abuse problems is that nobody goes from being sober to being a drug addict overnight. Drug addiction takes time to set in and sometimes it is just as hard for the friends and family members of addicts as it is for drug addicts themselves to admit that a problem exists. Being able to recognize the signs of alcoholism and drug addiction is important, even if you are not the one with the substance abuse problem. Here are some of the indicators that someone you care about needs to find substance abuse help:
1. Your friend or family member has a sudden change in his or her appetite. When someone who used to love food stops eating or eats very little, this is a sign that something is wrong. An unexpected weight gain is also a bad sign and an indicator that your friend might have a substance abuse problem.
2. Has your family member or friend started to smell differently? Have you noticed odd smells clinging to his clothing or on his breath? Some substances have very specific odors that are easy to identify. If you've noticed any of these smells clinging to your friend or if the smells have become a permanent part of your friend's "aura" then it is possible that your friend or family member is in need of substance abuse help.
3. Has your usually mellow and easy going friend become moody, hyperactive or unusually talkative? On the flip side of this has your usually energetic and talkative friend become silent and withdrawn? Personality changes like these are strong indicators that something is wrong with your friend or loved one and are often indicative of a substance abuse problem.
4. Have you noticed unusual bruising or marks on your friend or loved one's skin? Are these marks and bruises on the lower areas of his or her arms, legs or on the bottoms of his or her feet? Bruises and puncture marks are fairly obvious signs of drug abuse. Track marks are tell tale signs of your friend or loved one needing substance abuse help. It is important to keep in mind that marks like these are usually signs of a severe substance abuse problem and the faster you can get help for your friend the better off he or she will be.
Recognizing the signs of substance abuse in your friends and family could spell the difference between them suffering from drug and alcohol addiction or seeking drug addiction treatment and being able to lead a drug free life. If you think that someone you care about has a problem you should consider talking to a counselor about how best to talk to your friend or family member about his drug addiction. Addiction and substance abuse help are sensitive subjects and a trained professional will be able to help you decide on the best way to approach the subject and help your friend get treatment.
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