Do you wonder if a loved one, such as a spouse, child, or parent, uses drugs or alcohol? Perhaps you know they are, but you are unsure if they’ve developed an addiction. It is not uncommon for addiction to develop quickly or even through only a few instances of use. Similarly, the symptoms of addiction can be slow to show themselves. Therefore, you must educate yourself about what to look out for to recognize the signs of addiction or substance abuse. If you see the symptoms of addiction in your loved one, reach out to an addiction center Florida residents can use for additional help. This will allow you to find the necessary support to deal with addiction and recover.
What Are the Symptoms of Addiction?
When should you turn to addiction treatment programs Florida offers? The best way to make that decision is to understand the most common symptoms of addiction. While these symptoms may vary from individual to individual, there is enough common overlap that you should learn to be aware of.
The Development of Tolerance
One of the most important symptoms to notice (even in yourself) is tolerance. When a person using drugs or alcohol develops a tolerance for it, they need to continue to use more of those drugs to get the same high or outcome. More specifically, a tolerance usually means an individual is dependent upon or addicted to drugs or alcohol needing it to function normally. This may be evidence if:
- They run out of drugs before a prescription is complete
- They are constantly asking others for drugs
- They are hiding their use
- They are thinking about drugs or alcohol often
- They are taking larger amounts than before
Substance abuse treatment programs Florida offers can help to break this tolerance. That may need to be done in a detox center, where the body processes and safely removes drugs.
Changes in Physical Appearance
There many other symptoms of addiction individuals experience. Sometimes, drug use will change their physical appearance. They may have gained weight or lost weight. They may have sunken or swollen eyes. Some people stop taking care of themselves. They don’t eat often, and it is rarely a healthy meal. They lack energy. Sometimes, they sleep a lot. Other times, they do not sleep at all.
Problems at Work or Home
Many people with addiction are faced with an inability to keep up with the responsibilities they have. This tends to create instances in which a person is missing time at work or school often. You may find yourself calling to let people know they cannot make appointments because they are ill (when, in fact, they are high or drunk). They may also have trouble completing assignments at work. In school, grades drop.
Changes in Behavior
It is also common for a person to have difficulty maintaining the same character they have always had. Sometimes, they may have money problems and ask for financial help often. They may need to turn to family members for immediate help because of dropped responsibilities. They may no longer have the same group of friends. In some situations, they are no longer interested in the things they used to enjoy doing.
When you see addiction symptoms in a loved one, it’s important not to overlook what they mean. They mean a person needs help and isn’t able to get it on their own.
When You See What’s Happening, Get Help
The symptoms of addiction may range widely. The often always include a person who desperately needs help and may not be willing to admit it. If your loved one is struggling with addiction, seek out help from trusted, experienced substance abuse treatment programs in Florida.