If you suspect someone you care about is abusing drugs, it is important to know the early warning signs of drug addiction. If it turns out that your suspicions are correct, you can try to get them help before the addiction progresses. Stopping addiction early can help make the recovery process easier and limit the damage done to the mind and body.
At Midwest Center at Youngstown, we understand that you care about your loved one’s health and want to be supportive without pushing them away. Our resources can help you recognize drug addiction signs early on, so you can encourage your loved one to get help. Call us today at 844.544.0502 to learn more about the process of getting your loved one started with treatment.
The Early Signs of Drug Addiction
If someone you care about has started abusing drugs, you will likely notice some changes in their behavior. People who suffer from drug addiction may not seem like themselves. Here are some of the early symptoms of addiction to be aware of:
- Drastic mood swings
- Poor performance at work or school
- Neglecting responsibilities at home
- Poor hygiene
- Financial troubles
- Isolation
- Increased conflict with family, friends, coworkers, and employers
- Sleeping excessively or not sleeping much at all
- Drastic changes in weight and appetite
While these symptoms can be signs of drug addiction, they can also indicate mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Regardless of the cause, expressing your concern to your loved ones without being confrontational can encourage them to get the help they need. Sometimes these signs can be a cry for help, so it is important not to ignore them. If you are uncomfortable approaching your loved one or you are afraid of them getting defensive or angry, you can enlist the help of an intervention counselor along with other family members and friends.
What to Do When Your Loved One Shows Symptoms of Addiction
If you have noticed drug addiction signs in someone you care about, you may not know how to approach them. The way you broach the topic is important as a person suffering from drug addiction may react negatively to your accusation and refuse to listen to your concerns. Here are some tips for talking to a loved one with drug addiction:
- Speak with kindness and concern. Depending on the behaviors your loved one has been exhibiting due to their addiction, you may be angry. While you can be firm, you do not want to come across as confrontational, or your loved one may become defensive and shut down.
- Give your loved one a chance to talk. If you do most of the talking, it can come across as a lecture. Express your concern for their well-being but make it a point to listen more than you speak.
- Set boundaries and stick with them. If your loved one’s addiction has been hurting your relationship by leading them to lie, steal, or default on their responsibilities such as paying bills or contributing to the household in some way, it is okay for you to tell them your expectations and what you will no longer tolerate.
- Have information ready about local addiction treatment centers that can help your loved one get clean.
Midwest Center at Youngstown: Family Guidance for Stopping Addiction Early
At Midwest Center at Youngstown, we realize the importance of incorporating family into drug addiction treatment programs. We can help guide you through the process of speaking to your loved ones about getting help when they show signs of drug addiction. With your support and our comprehensive addiction treatment programs, your loved one has the best chance of getting clean and achieving lasting recovery. Reach out to us at 844.544.0502 if you think a friend or family member may be showing symptoms of addiction.