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What is Substance Abuse?
Drug or alcohol abuse occurs when a person repeatedly uses drugs or
alcohol in excessive amounts to have fun or to escape reality ---
despite its damaging effects or disruption of daily life and
relationships.
What are the Warning Signs of Drug/Alcohol Abuse?
There are many warning signs of drug and alcohol abuse. Unfortunately,
substance abusers are often the last ones to recognize or admit they
have an addiction. If you suspect that a friend or loved one is abusing
drugs and/or alcohol, it's important to remember that drug abusers
often try to conceal or downplay their problem.
Here are some warning signs you can look for:
School/Work/Home Changes
- Drop in school or work performance; skips or is late
to school or work.
- Changes in friends: new hang-outs, avoidance of old
crowd
- Change in activities; loss of interest in things that
were once important
- Changes in habits at home; loss of interest in family
and family activities
- Frequently borrowing money, selling possessions, or
stealing items from employer, home, or school.
- Missing prescription drugs --- especially narcotics
and mood stabilizers
- Use of room deodorizers, perfumes or mouthwash/breath
mints to hide odors
Behavior/Attitude
- Unexplained moodiness, irritability, angry outbursts
or nervousness.
- Excessive need for privacy; keeps door locked or
closed, won't let people in;
- Extreme hyperactivity; excessive talkativeness or
silliness
- Difficulty in paying attention; forgetfulness.
- Lack of motivation, energy, self-esteem, and
discipline.
- Expressing feelings of exhaustion, depression, and
hopelessness.
- Changes in eating habits
- Chronic dishonesty; trouble with police.
- Evidence of drug paraphernalia (i.e. pipes, rolling
papers; inhaling products, such as hairspray, nail polish, correction
fluid, paper bags and rags
- Use of eyedrops, which may be used to mask bloodshot
eyes or dilated pupils
- Causing harm to one's self or someone else while
drinking
Changes in physical appearance
- Deterioration of physical appearance and grooming
- Wearing sunglasses or long sleeve shirts frequently
or at inappropriate times
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
- Needle marks or bruises on lower arm, legs or bottom
of feet
- Change in clothing choices --- fascination with
clothes that highlight drug use
How do You Know if You or Someone You Know has an
Addiction?
Addictions can be both physical and psychological. Physical addiction
occurs when someone requires increasingly larger amounts of drugs or
alcohol to achieve the original "high" or effect. Using a drug to numb
pain, relax, or to satisfy cravings are examples of a psychological
addiction.
What should you do if you suspect a love one is using
drugs/alcohols?
If you think someone has overdosed on drugs or alcohol, call 911
immediately. Don't wait for them to sleep it off. Call ASAP!
Here are some other things you can do:
- Talk to them without being judgmental. Be sure to
listen.
- Let them face the consequences of their using. Don't
come to their rescue but remind them that you support and love them.
- Find out about recovery programs. To learn about
Mission recovery programs, click here
or try Addiction Search)
- Be patient. They have to make the decision to stop on
their own. You cannot force them.
- If their safety or health is at risk, consider an
intervention.
- If you want someone to talk to, try attending a
support group like Al-Anon
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