The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that the number of drug-related deaths from overdose has been steadily increasing in the United States. In 2015 alone, the number of deaths was more than 50,000. When a loved one starts abruptly acting and appearing differently than we are used to, it can be alarming. You may suspect a problem with drugs or alcohol, but are not sure. If they do have a problem, getting your friend or family member help, to prevent a death due to overdose, is important. What are some signs to look for?
Physical Changes
Different types of drugs cause different physical effects in users. These outward symptoms range from blood shot eyes to extreme weight loss. People who are abusing drugs exhibit many changes in their physical appearance. The main focus in their life becomes getting and using their drug. Because of this, personal hygiene and eating can become afterthoughts.
You may notice your loved one’s physical appearance changing drastically over the course of weeks, or even days. They may stop showering everyday and start to smell unpleasant. They may stop combing their hair or wearing makeup. Brushing their teeth may stop. If they stop eating regularly, you may notice a huge drop in their weight, especially with stimulant abuse.
Emotional Changes
Your loved one may have always been outgoing and happy-go-lucky. Now, they are unusually aggressive with you, or spend most of their time alone in their room. Changes in a drug abuser’s personality are typical and vary depending on the drug abused.
Stimulants, like crystal meth or cocaine, can cause users to act out in negative ways. Users may pick fights with you or become physically violent. Depressants and opioids, like Valium or heroin, can cause users to withdraw from you. You may notice they are sleeping a lot and spend much of their time alone.
Behavioral Changes
Drug users change their professional and personal behaviors when they become addicted. A person may have held down a job for years and then lose their job because they can not function at work. Users may lose close, personal friends because of their behavior.
People who are addicted to drugs will often do things they would not normally do. Loved ones act differently when they are intoxicated than they usually do. Acting boisterous and expressing emotions in inappropriate ways are common behaviors. A person going through withdrawal because they can not get their drug can end up stealing from work, their friends and their family to satisfy their addiction.
It is hard to admit when you or a loved one has a problem with drugs. But, you know what is harder? Dealing with the death of a family member or friend. If you do suspect your loved one is abusing drugs, Pathways Real Life Recovery can help. Please reach out and contact us today.
About the Author:
Michelle Amerman is a licensed therapist and President of Pathways Real Life Recovery. Pathways is a mental health couseling and addiction recovery center in Utah. Her treatement approach is based on 30 years’ worth of groundwork, and has been assessed and validated by pioneers in the field of recovery research.
Pathways Real Life Recovery
8706 South 700 East #205
Sandy, UT 84070
801-895-3006
Pathways Real Life Recovery 