Addiction, according to its simplest definition, is the inability to stop engaging in behavior even when you know it causes your mind or body harm. This addictive behavior is commonly tied to drug use. Drug addiction can be incredibly harmful to individuals and their loved ones. Misuse of prescription drugs is rampant in the United States and often leads to full-blown street drug addictions. Drug addictions cause both severe acute and long-term consequences on users.
If you’re worried that you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, there are some signs of drug use to look out for that can help you determine if a drug use issue needs to be addressed.
Signs You May Need a Cocaine Addiction Treatment Program
Professional addiction treatment programs, such as a cocaine addiction treatment program, are often the most reliable way for individuals to get help for their drug use. One drug that is very commonly abused is cocaine. There are often different warning signs of drug use to look for depending on the particular drug. Signs that indicate that someone is using cocaine include:
- Significant weight loss with no apparent cause
- Burn marks on lips and fingers
- Selling items for money or stealing
- New financial troubles
- Irritability and moodiness
- Decrease in hygiene
- Noticing a white substance around the nose or on the face
- Bursts of energy and talkativeness, or generally out of character behaviors
- Dilated pupils
- Nosebleeds
- Sniffling or runny nose
- Hoarse throat
- Stomach pain or nausea
- Rapid heartbeat
- Sexual dysfunction
Signs You May Need a Heroin Addiction Treatment Program
Like the street drug cocaine, the illegal street drug heroin comes with its own unique set of signs that indicate a person is using. Unlike cocaine, heroin is a semi-synthetic opioid with depressant effects rather than a stimulant. These are very different drugs, but both have detrimental impacts on users and those close to them. Often heroin addicts begin using heroin as an alternative to prescription opioids. Heroin has similar effects but is often easier and cheaper to obtain when other opioids aren’t available. Some signs that a person may be using heroin include:
- Presence of drug paraphernalia (such as small baggies, pipes, syringes, or needles)
- Sudden secretive or unusual behavior or being caught in lies
- Missing valuables or money
- New legal or financial trouble
- Moodiness or depression
- Unusually long periods of sleep or inactivity
- Track marks on arms
- Speech that includes heroin street slang
- Shortness of breath or chest pain
- Sweating
- Stomach issues, such as nausea, constipation, or diarrhea
- Headache
- Restlessness
Some of the more severe physical signs might also be that the drug is laced with something else. Once you recognize these signs, it’s best to seek a heroin addiction treatment program.
Signs You’ll Benefit from a Drug Addiction Treatment Program
It is important to note that some mental and physical signs of using street drugs could indicate another issue, including a separate mental health condition. It is helpful to be aware of all the possible warning signs of drug use because when taken together, they can give a clearer picture of the likelihood of a drug use problem. Many indicators could be reliable indicators of other addictions as well. General addiction issues often involve the psychological hold and influence a drug has over the person’s life and require a drug addiction treatment program for health and well-being. Some of these signs include:
- You can’t stop yourself from using the drug, even if you want to. You are still using the drug even though it is hurting your life.
- You dedicate a lot of your time thinking about how you can obtain the drug and how you’ll use it.
- You have a hard time adhering to your limits. You often promise yourself to use less, and you continue to break your promises.
- You’ve lost interest in things that you used to enjoy because they get in the way of your addiction.
- You have trouble with simple daily activities, like cooking or taking a shower.
- You make dangerous choices, such as driving when you are under the influence.
- You work to hide your drug use and the effect it is having on your life.
- You have a new set of friends who help you gain access to drugs or engage in drug use with you.
Warning signs of drug use will vary among individuals, but often those suffering from a substance use disorder (SUD) attempt to hide the drug’s effects and downplay the problem. If you’re worried that a friend or family member may be misusing drugs, it’s essential to keep the lines of communication open. Acknowledging drug use is a challenging barrier to receiving treatment, and it often takes time and patience. The best way to support someone struggling with drug addiction is by regularly encouraging them to seek treatment and refusing to enable their drug use.
