The signs of addiction vary from person to person, making it difficult to identify the condition. A loved one who has an addiction may try to hide it or deny that it exists. Or they may try to manipulate you emotionally so that they do not have to quit. Eventually, it becomes obvious that the user needs to get help at a drug rehab center as addiction signs become more evident.
If you are having difficulty dealing with a loved one that needs help, you may want to reach out to a treatment professional at a drug rehab program. A therapist can discuss your situation, answer your questions, and help you determine if your loved one has an addiction and needs help. You can be instrumental in changing the life of a family member that is suffering from substance abuse.
A Sign Your Loved One Needs Drug Rehab
For someone with a drug problem, substance abuse becomes a lifestyle, not just an addiction. Their whole world revolves around the drug. They may talk about it all the time. When they’re not using the drug, they’re thinking about it. They may reach the point where they don’t care about anything else. You may find paraphernalia and constant reminders of the drug everywhere in the house.
Changes in Behavior
It may become clear that a person needs drug rehab based on changes in their behavior that do not reflect who they really are. Some behaviors you may want to look for include:
- Spending time with other drug users
- A decline in appearance or dress
- Mood swings
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Risky or dangerous behavior
Multiple Failed Attempts at Quitting
Another sign that someone needs drug rehab is their inability to stop using drugs. They may promise you that they will quit only to relapse time and again. By this point, it becomes clear that the user has lost control and can no longer function without the drug. The only way to help them is to get them to go to a substance abuse treatment program. With the right help, they can develop the will power to end their addiction finally.
Neglecting Responsibilities
A loved one with addiction becomes apathetic to everything else around them. They stop caring about things that were once important in their life. You may notice that they neglect responsibilities at home, school, or work. They exhibit an I don’t care attitude when confronted about the problems. This can cause conflict in the family and pressure other members to step up and take care of responsibilities.
Hitting Bottom
Not everyone who has an addiction hits bottom before they finally go to drug rehab. However, hitting the bottom is a clear indication that professional help is needed. Someone may lose their family, friends, career, health, or finances before they finally admit that they have a problem. If so, they will need family support when deciding to get help at a drug rehab program.
Addiction Treatment: Where to Begin
If you have a loved one with a problem with addiction, you get them started on the road to recovery by contacting a local drug rehab center. They may begin by detox, where they flush the drug out of their system and begin healing. From there, they may have options for residential or intensive outpatient program. Once they complete rehab, they can continue their therapy or access aftercare programs.