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How Can I Support a Loved One Struggling With Addiction?

Addiction not only affects those struggling with the addiction but also affects the friends and family around them. It can be just as challenging to support them as it is to watch them in active addiction. Learning to create a loving, supportive space without enabling can be difficult, but it is crucial to develop this space to help your loved ones through their recovery.

What are some things that you can do to help those struggling with addiction? How can you create successful boundaries while allowing them to feel loved and supported? Here are some ways to support your loved ones as they fight against their addiction.

Educate Yourself

The best way to support someone through their addiction is to educate yourself on the type of addiction your loved one is battling. Suppose they are struggling with opioids; this could be a good opportunity to research opioid addictions. Learn about the symptoms and what the recovery would look like. Research treatment options and what they will go through as they start their recovery. The more you learn, the better you will understand what they are going through, and the more you can assist your loved one.

It isn’t easy to help someone when you know nothing about what they are dealing with. Although you won’t know what they are going through as you are not experiencing what they are, you can learn about addiction to better serve them. Your loved one will feel more comfortable and appreciative when you take the time to learn about what they are going through and how to help them.

Compassion and Patience

Showing compassion to your loved one while facing one of life’s biggest battles is probably the most important thing you can do for them. They are already going through so much, and having love and compassion next to them will help far more than judgment will.

With compassion comes patience. This is a long journey, and there will be setbacks. They are going to have many hard days. Don’t expect immediate change from them as they navigate their new life without the use of substances. Recovery will not be an overnight change; as you practice patience, they will feel supported.

Don’t Enable

Love and support are extremely important to ensure your actions don’t turn into enabling behaviors. There is a difference between support and enabling; you want to ensure you don’t cross that line into enabling your loved one.

Along with not enabling their behaviors, it is essential not to fall into their manipulation. Some people struggling with addiction can’t control their behaviors, and ensuring that you don’t fall into their manipulation tactics will help create boundaries that will support their recovery and not enable them.

Get Involved

If your loved one is entering treatment, visiting the facility with them can help them feel supported. Going to 12-Step meetings with them can also help. Communicating with them to understand what they need and how to be involved will benefit them. Showing them that you are interested in their recovery will help them feel safe and supported.

Seek Counseling or Therapy

As a loved one of someone struggling with addiction, you are going through something. You are facing something that needs to be talked about. Guidance and support from a mental health professional will help you feel supported and make sure you are creating healthy boundaries as your loved one goes through this battle. It is just as important to take care of your mental health so you can be the best support system for your loved one.

What to Expect

Knowing what to expect when a loved one enters treatment can help you to support them. You may feel an array of emotions as your loved one starts this journey to recovery.

You might be glad your loved one is finally getting help and feel the comfort that they are making a good, safe choice. You may worry about the well-being of your loved one. You might feel resentment that your loved one has placed this burden on you for a long time. You might feel sad that this is part of your story and the story of your loved one. You might feel shame that addiction has infiltrated your life.

All of these feelings are valid and real. You are allowed to feel whatever emotions come to you during this trying time. Don’t try to stuff them down. Allow yourself to feel them. Talking with a therapist might help you manage all of these emotions.

Watching a loved one battle addiction can be very scary, and if they make the decision to enter treatment, it can be even scarier. Learning to support your loved one during this trying time can be the difference between keeping a healthy relationship with your loved one or losing that relationship. Take time to care for yourself so you can be the best version of yourself to support your loved one through their journey. Here at Excel Treatment Center, we want to help you be involved in your loved one’s recovery. We want to support you just as much as we support your loved one; you and your well-being are just as important. The client and the family can both benefit from family support and participation in the addiction recovery process. Call Excel Treatment Center at (833) 883-9235 to learn how we can support you and your loved one.

Author Stephanie Maitner Categories Uncategorized

How to Approach a Conversation About Marijuana Addiction

Addiction is a complicated topic, and conversations surrounding the use of addictive substances are often met with resistance, making these conversations very delicate. Talking about marijuana addiction is no different, and this unique substance can present additional hurdles in the conversation ahead. However, despite the situation, marijuana addiction still needs to be discussed. Preparing for the conversation can ensure that one’s message stays clear when helping a loved one recognize their use and how it has affected those around them.

The Importance of Having the Conversation

Marijuana addiction is serious, and its consistent use has many negative effects. Not only is it detrimental when in active use, slowing one’s reaction speed, compromising decision-making skills, and affecting one’s memory and attention span, but its long-term effects are just as destructive. An increase in risk-taking behavior can come coupled with the use of the substance, not only making marijuana dangerous itself but also promoting other dangerous behaviors.

Addiction, if left unchecked, will continue to develop as one’s tolerance increases. The more marijuana is used, the more the drug is needed to achieve the desired high, effectively making addiction exponentially more detrimental to one’s physical, mental, and emotional health.

Addressing a Fluctuating Legality

Despite the use of marijuana as a prescribed drug for anxiety, panic, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), marijuana is still a federally illegal drug. While some states have adopted its legality, its status as a federally prohibited substance still stands, making the nuanced laws around its use challenging to navigate. However, this gray area has caused a lot of misinformation about the drug to circulate, even touting it as non-addictive or simply “not a big deal.”

These notions are often birthed from the idea that if the substance is legalized, it must not present too much risk. Discussions surrounding marijuana will often involve these notions or bring up its legality as a justification for its use. However, it is essential to remember that when prescriptions for marijuana are prescribed, they help with specific diagnoses under certain circumstances and do not indicate that the drug poses no risks, especially for recreational use.

Approaching the Conversation

There are a few ways to approach a conversation about marijuana use. While employing specific strategies can help keep the conversation focused and fair, it is still a delicate situation to navigate. Consulting with professionals can further aid each individual in creating a plan to address the topic.

Educate Yourself

Before tackling such a complicated topic, taking the time to educate oneself about the short and long-term effects of marijuana use is essential. Knowing the effects of the drug can allow one to understand and identify signs and symptoms of its immediate use, from the inherent effects of the drug and the “high” that come with it to the lasting dangers it presents.

This education can help those addressing others about their use identify specific instances where one may have been under the influence of the drug and provide real-world context, experience, and anecdotes about how the use of the drug has affected others. Knowing about marijuana and addiction is also beneficial as it can help keep the conversations personal and relevant. Knowing, with evidence, that drugs were involved in a certain scenario and bringing up the specific circumstance can be an essential source of perspective, making one’s use not speculation or statistic but a real-world, personal trial to overcome.

Conduct in a Safe Time and Place

It is common for those using marijuana to become defensive, deflect the blame, or change the subject entirely when addressed. Holding conversations in a safe space can help mitigate this discomfort, promoting a fair atmosphere. Talking to a loved one in their bedroom or a familiar shared space such as a living room or dining room can all add an air of equality.

Likewise, blindsiding one with the conversation can promote even more defensive tactics, and talking about one’s use should be done when there is time to sit and have a dialogue. This allows time for all parties to discuss things in a non-confrontational way. Avoiding time constraints, such as just before work or getting back from class, can promote an open time for discussion.

Address the Intent

There are a number of reasons why one may feel compelled to use marijuana, and it is essential to listen to another’s reasoning behind their use. For some, the use of the drug may be centered on coping with anxiety or stress, particularly about one’s work or worrying about an upcoming test or project. Others may use the drug as a recreational, social tool, in which case exploring why one feels that drugs are needed for a particular social outlet can be a part of the personalized dialogue. Addressing the intent behind one’s use, rather than only the act of using marijuana, not just helps an individual feel heard but also helps create a personalized recovery strategy for an individual.

Keep a Calm Dialogue

Emotions will run high. Staying calm and avoiding accusations or lectures can establish oneself as a support rather than a hurdle or source of stress. Allowing others to talk about their use and genuinely listening to another’s side with a calm and supportive tone can set the atmosphere for an ongoing dialogue.

Marijuana addiction can affect many facets of one’s life, and overcoming an addiction of any kind is a difficult task. If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction to marijuana and are ready to take the first step towards your sober future, we at Excel Treatment Center can help you today. We offer an array of programs to help you begin your sober journey. From taking your first step into detox or attending our outpatient program, we can personalize your stay to help you address your unique needs and goals. Art therapy, music, writing, mindfulness practice, and much more are all available to you, backed with comprehensive education, relapse prevention, and life skills programs. For more information on Excel Treatment Center’s treatment options and to learn more about how we can help you or a loved one, call (833) 883-9235 today.

Author Stephanie Maitner Categories Uncategorized

What Is MSR?

Over 2.5 million Americans are affected by opioid use disorder (OUD). Further, in 2020, nearly 68,630 people died due to opioid overdose. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), opioids include prescription opioids, heroin, and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl. Unfortunately, overdose numbers continue to rise year after year.

Undeniably, our country is in a dangerous condition due to opioid addiction and the shockingly high number of overdose deaths that have occurred in recent years. The morbidity and death rates linked to alcohol intake are still too high and are rising due to stimulant abuse. Relapse rates and readmission to treatment facilities serve as warning indications that all possible avenues for recovery must be taken into account.

Finding a Solution: Medication-Supported Recovery

If you are struggling with opioid abuse, you are not alone. There are millions of people struggling, and you are worthy of recovery. There are many different options for you to get the help you need. One of them is medication-supported recovery (MSR).

MSR is a specific approach to treatment that uses medication such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, to help individuals overcome their opioid addiction and manage symptoms. These can be used to treat anything from opioid abuse to alcohol abuse and smoking cessation. MSR encourages any medication that helps in recovery, not just those used to treat substance abuse.

Medications can help people finish treatment without the uncomfortable symptoms that accompany the cessation of drug or alcohol abuse. When an individual can focus on their recovery in treatment, they are more likely to succeed outside of a facility’s walls. Medications are tools and should be treated as such. They can help individuals become involved in their recovery and succeed.

MSR does not only include medications. Part of MSR is also developing a treatment plan with professionals to combine medication and therapy, giving you the best chance of long-term recovery success. A comprehensive MSR plan can:

  • Improve client survival
  • Increase retention in treatment
  • Decrease illicit opiate use and other criminal activity among people struggling with substance use disorder (SUD)
  • Increase ability to gain and maintain employment
  • Improve birth outcomes in pregnant women struggling with SUD

Who Is MSR For?

MSR is an excellent option for those struggling with alcohol use disorder (AUD), OUD, and smoking. Some medications, like methadone, are most often used only in the detox phase. However, medications like buprenorphine and Vivitrol can be used past the detox stage for maintenance.

Common Misconceptions

Many people believe that by using MSR, you are just switching one drug for another, from an illegal drug that gets you high to prescription medications that can also get you high. However, these types of medications do not induce a feeling of being high.

Medications in MSR are used as a form of treatment. They can help reduce cravings and symptoms of withdrawal. They can also help restore the balance in the brain after potential damage caused by addictive substances. The use of these drugs helps the client focus on recovery and not the need to use.

Precautions With Medications

While medications used in MSR are beneficial, they still should be used under the guidance of treatment professionals. Even though medications like buprenorphine do not get you high and block the effects of opioids, they still should be taken with precaution. Clients who miss one dose of buprenorphine can use opioids and feel the effects. Due to this, it is essential to have treatment professionals monitor their use and create a plan for an eventual taper. While using medications in MSR, it is recommended clients still engage in a recovery program.

Medication Options

Three different types of medications help treat SUD:

  1. Agonists: These medications counteract withdrawal symptoms by stimulating the same brain regions as specific drugs. Even though they imitate the effects of illicit substances, they only have a slight impact. The primary agonist used in MSR is methadone.
  2. Antagonists: These medications prevent the impact of opioids. They consist of naltrexone and naloxone.
  3. Mixed agonist-antagonists: These medications can inhibit the effects of opioids while slightly activating brain opioid receptors and reducing withdrawal symptoms. Buprenorphine and the combination of buprenorphine and naloxone are among these medications.

These medications normalize body processes, reduce cravings, prevent the effects of alcohol and opioids, and restore normal brain chemistry. Finding the best course of action for treatment is crucial. Working with professionals through this process will help you be the most successful.

Moving Past Shame and Stigma

Eliminating the stigma associated with utilizing medication as a recovery tool can help people find new paths to reclaiming a happy, fulfilled life. MSR can keep people involved in treatment and make them active participants in their rehabilitation, enhancing their relationships, chances for success in the workplace and school, and emotional health. MSR is an effective tool that helps people in early recovery experience newfound optimism in finding meaning and value in life when combined and continued counseling and peer support.

If you are struggling with substance use disorder (SUD), you are not alone; millions of people across the globe are also struggling. You may feel at a loss on how to move forward and live successfully without the use of substances. With the help of medication-supported recovery (MSR), you can be successful at beating this disease. At Excel Treatment Center, we can help you begin your journey in recovery and start living a happy and fulfilled life. Our mission is to provide exceptional treatment using clinical services, psychiatric treatment options, and family support choices. With the use of MSR, our facility can help you overcome SUD and create the life you deserve. If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol or opioid abuse, we are here to help. Call Excel Treatment Center today at (833) 883-9235 to discuss our treatment options. 

Author Stephanie Maitner Categories Uncategorized

Stigma and Addiction

There is no doubt that substance use is stigmatized. Research has shown that the general public holds unfavorable views about words such as ‘alcoholic’ and ‘addict’, so it follows logically that this transposes into how they treat them in real life. The weight of stigma has the ability to negatively affect a person’s sense of self-worth, personal relationships, and even someone’s recovery journey.

Untreated drug and alcohol misuse contributes to tens of thousands of deaths each year, in the US alone. The fallout of this is not limited to the individual – it also affects the lives of family, friends, and colleagues. Stigma places people who are affected by alcohol and drug dependency at a considerable disadvantage when it comes to seeking help and much-needed treatment.

So, what is stigma and how can we prevent it?

Stigma is characterized as an assortment of negative beliefs and attitudes that an individual, group or society holds surrounding a certain topic, ways of behavior, or a specific group of people that are not perceived as ‘normal’. The toxicity of stigma comes from the simple fact that this disapproval isn’t person-specific nor the actions of an individual, but rather the perceived assumption of “somebody like that”.

Stereotypes also serve to dehumanize people, as the individual’s identity and personality are no longer their most prominent or defining feature. This generally leads to bias and prejudice in almost all societies regarding drug users. This can cause anger, shame, and guilt within the family, between spouses and also friends.

Stereotyping can also alter the way in which people perceive themselves, which can be very hard to change. This is known as ‘self-stigma’. This is when people start to believe negative stereotypes about themselves and causes low self-worth and motivation to change. This can lead to a snowball effect, where the shame and perceived isolation leads the person to increase their use, which in turn furthers the stigma.

How can stigma contribute to continual addiction?

Not only does stigma affect people who suffer from substance use disorder, but it also negatively affects the people immediately around them. People can be worried that y associating with a substance user it could damage their reputation, and they may even be worried that they might come to physical harm.

Stigma can be a vicious cycle. It can lead to job loss, homelessness, and antagonism from those close to the individual and society as a whole. It is often said that the opposite of addiction is connection; it is less likely that a person is going to reach out for help if they feel that society is against them.

This can lead to further stigmatization when the individual reintegrates back into society. Low self-esteem can be a barrier to recovery. Landlords may be hesitant to give them tenancies, employers may not hire them due to their history, and family and friends may be hesitant to be involved with them. The public stigma associated with drug and alcohol dependency places blame on the people suffering from addiction and creates a society where these people are to be feared, rather than viewed as people who need help.

Many individuals who are in recovery have also found that they are discriminated against.

This can have a detrimental effect on the individual, as they feel that they are defined by their past – this can increase the risk of relapse.

How can we prevent stigma affecting addicts and the recovery process?

Fear and misunderstanding are usually the cause of stigma. Many people hold a deterministic false view that “once an addict, always an addict”. The fact is that substance or alcohol abuse disorder is a medically recognized condition. Many people who discriminate against the people who suffer from them wouldn’t dream of doing so to any other illness.

In changing people’s mindsets, education is the key. It will foster a non-judgmental environment, which will in turn encourage people to seek recovery.

While it has always been necessary for society to have norms for behaviors and a perfectly reasonable expectation for individuals to take responsibility for their own actions, judging substance use as a moral failing rather than an illness that needs compassion only serves to further it.

It is essential that the public understand the many causes of drug and alcohol dependency and the process of drug treatment and recovery. If people were informed about the neurological changes which take place in the brain during addiction, and how childhood trauma can predispose someone to substance use later in life, they would be less inclined to judge those who are suffering from it.

How can I reduce stigma?

As individuals, there are many ways we can prevent stigma and influence others to prevent it. We can be wary of using labels such as ‘addict’ or ‘alcoholic, and especially avoid terms such as ‘junkie’. If we use terms such as ‘substance abuse disorder’ it frames these medical conditions positively, may foster a more open-minded response from others. Be wise with your words – they have the power to ignite emotions that can start a change.

Medical science, and our understanding of habitual drug and alcohol use, has progressed a great deal in the past 50 years. Unfortunately, many of the old values and judgments surrounding it are still prevalent in society. Through educating yourself, and gently sharing it with others, you can serve to reduce stigma. Although it might seem small, it really is a matter of life or death, and your contribution could help to save someone’s life.

In conclusion, alcohol and drug-dependent people are almost always expected by society, as a whole, to change their behavior and exhibit better responsibility for themselves and their actions. However, in return, society has to begin to challenge the negative attitudes and barriers that keep those with addictions and drug dependency problems trapped in dysfunctional habits, behaviors, and overall lifestyles. Change is possible, but it has to be a collaborative effort.

Earnshaw, Valerie et al. “Drug Addiction Stigma In The Context Of Methadone Maintenance Therapy: An Investigation Into Understudied Sources Of Stigma”. International Journal Of Mental Health And Addiction, vol 11, no. 1, 2012, pp. 110-122. Springer Science And Business Media LLC, doi:10.1007/s11469-012-9402-5. Accessed 10 Oct 2020.

John F. Kelly, Richard Saitz & Sarah Wakeman (2016) Language, Substance Use Disorders, and Policy: The Need to Reach Consensus on an “Addiction-ary”, Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly, 34:1, 116-123, DOI: 10.1080/07347324.2016.1113103

Crocker, Jennifer. “Contingencies Of Self-Worth: Implications For Self-Regulation And Psychological Vulnerability”. Self And Identity, vol 1, no. 2, 2002, pp. 143-149. Informa UK Limited, doi:10.1080/152988602317319320. Accessed 10 Oct 2020.

“Overdose Death Rates | National Institute On Drug Abuse”. National Institute On Drug Abuse, 2020, https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates.

Ritson EB. Alcohol, drugs and stigma. International Journal of Clinical Practice. 1999 Oct-Nov;53(7):549-551.

Paquette, Catherine E. et al. “Stigma At Every Turn: Health Services Experiences Among People Who Inject Drugs”. International Journal Of Drug Policy, vol 57, 2018, pp. 104-110. Elsevier BV, doi:10.1016/j.drugpo.2018.04.004. Accessed 10 Oct 2020.

HARBIN, HENRY T., and HOWARD M. MAZIAR. “The Families Of Drug Abusers: A Literature Review”. Family Process, vol 14, no. 3, 1975, pp. 411-431. Wiley, doi:10.1111/j.1545-5300.1975.00411.x. Accessed 10 Oct 2020.

Dillon, Erin M. “Addressing Persistent And Intractable Employment Problems In Individuals With Histories Of Drug Addiction”. Substance Use & Misuse, vol 39, no. 13-14, 2004, pp. 2621-2623. Informa UK Limited, doi:10.1081/ja-200034623. Accessed 10 Oct 2020.

Royse, David et al. “Homelessness And Gender In Out-Of-Treatment Drug Users”. The American Journal Of Drug And Alcohol Abuse, vol 26, no. 2, 2000, pp. 283-296. Informa UK Limited, doi:10.1081/ada-100100605. Accessed 10 Oct 2020.

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Author Stephanie Maitner Categories Uncategorized

Signs of Addiction

What is Addiction?

When we hear the term ‘addiction’ it is common to immediately think of alcohol or drugs. However, addiction is simply when a person cannot seem to stop doing something, even though it is causing them harm. This can include alcohol or drugs but can also include behaviors, which are also known as process addictions.

Addiction is thought to be caused by a variety of factors including genetics and trauma. Traumatic events include childhood abuse or neglect, sexual abuse, war, natural disasters, motor accidents, although from a therapeutic point of view any prolonged stress can be traumatic.

An addicted person will experience urges and compulsions to use or behave in a certain way in order to satisfy their addiction. This can be disruptive to daily life as the person will tend to prioritize their addiction over the rest of their life, and may experience overwhelming anxiety, frustration, or agitation if they cannot satisfy their addiction.

In this blog, we will explore substance addiction and its signs. As addiction is a progressive disease, the earlier a person receives intervention the more likely it is they have a successful recovery. We are going to outline and discuss the signs of substance addiction, so that you the reader can be better prepared to notice an addiction in its early stages, either in yourself, a friend, or a loved one.

Understanding Substance Addiction

Many of us use substances on a daily or weekly basis (caffeine, alcohol, nicotine). Simply using substances is not usually problematic – caffeine and alcohol in moderation do not cause lasting harmful health consequences. However, any substance can be habit forming and some can be physically addictive. This can pose significant health risks.

Drugs that are not physically addictive but can be habit forming are:

  • Cocaine and crack
  • Methamphetamine and amphetamine
  • Marijuana

Drugs that can cause physical dependency include:

  • Alcohol
  • Opiates and opioids such as heroin, morphine, fentanyl, oxycodone, oxymorphone, and codeine
  • GHB and GBL
  • Benzodiazepines such as Xanax, Ativan, and Valium
  • Ambien

Substance Withdrawal Symptoms

Substances that are physically addictive change the make-up of the brain. This means that the brain and body become dependent on this substance to function normally. If the substance is stopped abruptly, withdrawal symptoms can range from extremely uncomfortable to fatal. This leads the addict to pursue the substance to stave off these symptoms. Eventually, the addict will build up a higher and higher tolerance and will need more of the substance to prevent withdrawal.

Withdrawal symptoms tend to vary depending on the substance of addiction, but according to SAMHSA they typically include:

  • Anxiety
  • Difficulty falling or staying asleep
  • Short-term memory problems
  • Fatigue
  • Poor focus, concentration and decision making
  • Cravings for a substance
  • Poor executive function
  • Anhedonia
  • Depression
  • Dysphoria
  • High Irritability
  • Physical aches and pains
  • Reduced sex drive
  • Diarrhea
  • Shaking and sweating
  • Those addicted to substances may seek to hide their problem from their friends and loved ones. When approached or confronted, they may persistently deny their condition or avoid others altogether in order to prevent confrontation.

Due to this denial, often withdrawal symptoms are the first thing that friends and family will notice in someone who is addicted. This is why it is important to be aware of how the symptoms may present in people. It is especially helpful to look for these occurring in conjunction with the behavioral and physical signs of addiction, which are listed later in the blog.

The sooner an addiction is noticed the sooner you can provide your friend or loved one with the help that they need. Being aware of these signs puts you in the best position to notice addiction in its earliest stages and prevent the condition from worsening.

The Signs of Addiction

Substance use takes its toll on the body. The following are some physical signs of substance to look out for, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

 

  • Headaches
  • Insomnia
  • Broken facial capillaries
  • Shaking and trembling
  • Sudden, drastic weight loss or gain
  • Unfocused eyes
  • Flushed skin
  • Track marks (due to injection)

Beyond the physical symptoms of addiction, there are certain behavioral changes that are characteristic of substance abuse. Look out for:
Frequent blackout

instances of memory loss

Argumentative disposition

Depression

Frequent mood swings

Regularly using drugs to relax or help with sleep

Using substances alone, or in secret

Promising to not use – then using anyway

Social withdrawal or avoidance

Neglecting previously enjoyed hobbies and interests

High-risk behavior (unprotected sex, driving under the influence)

Lying to loved ones

Neglecting personal hygiene

Stealing money, borrowing without repaying, with no explanation

Possession of drug paraphernalia* (Pipes, cigarette papers, bongs, miniature spoons)

*Possession of paraphernalia is a clear sign that a person is using drugs. However, this does not necessarily mean that they are addicted. A person may own cigarette papers for rolling tobacco, which they can use to roll joints. Perhaps there are empty bottles in their bedroom or left lying around the house. The type of paraphernalia found should be noted. While cigarette papers or bottles are not always a cause for worry, possession of needles and burnt spoons, or small plastic bags with residual white powder certainly indicate that the person is using harmful substances and intervention is necessary. Again, confronting your loved one alone is not advised. If paraphernalia is found, consult with an addiction professional as the first step.

Changes to Daily Life Following Addiction

Excessive use of substances can lead to significant changes in relationships. Those addicted to substances may begin to spend more time with others who use the same substance and neglect previous relationships. Family and friends may observe that their loved one is less socially engaged than before and is secretive or avoidant about discussions on how they have been spending their time.

Academic and professional performance can be hindered by excessive substance use. Students with a previous record of good grades may begin to decline in academic performance, due to less time spent studying and the actual effects of the drugs.

Important attributes for professionals may diminish, such as punctuality, motivation, and work ethic. Problems may arise in relationships with managers, supervisors, and other co-workers.

Spotting the Signs of Addiction in Adolescents

The signs of addiction outlined above can be considered if you believe your loved one is abusing substances. Teenagers, given their life stage, are prone to mood swings and secretive or rebellious behavior. Behaviors that seem like addiction may just be a normal part of their stage of development and vice versa.

In order to notice the signs of addiction in a teenager, it is important to stay informed about multiple signs. Furthermore, younger generations often find innovative ways of using substances. For example, you may find plastic bottles with burn holes in them (used for smoking, like a bong). It is important for parents to stay informed about different types of paraphernalia that their teenagers may be using.

Spotting a Process Addiction

Process addictions can be harder to spot than substance addictions, as they do not tend to take as hard a toll physically on the body. They are also not intoxicating, so you will not see people acting as out of character as you may with alcohol or drugs. However, there are signs you can look out for. They include, but are not limited to:

  1. Unaccountable money going missing (gambling, shopping)
  2. Forgoing other life activities (all)
  3. Frequently lying about whereabouts or activities (all)
  4. Disrupted living habits (all)
  5. Sudden weight loss or gain (eating disorder)
  6. A sudden change in character (all)

In Conclusion

The consequences of addiction permeate through all aspects of an affected individual’s life, from their physical and psychological health to emotional and behavioral well-being to relationships with themselves with others. Addiction, untreated can impact not only the life of the individual but also the lives of his or her family and friends. In this blog, we have outlined the signs of addiction so that you can be vigilant around your loved one’s suspected addiction and take the right course of action if you believe they are abusing substances. If you are reading this, your loved one is fortunate, because they have someone in their life who wants the best for them.

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