Alcohol and Drug Addiction Help for Families & Individuals
Those struggling with substance abuse and addiction face so much judgment that they don’t know where to turn when they are ready to face their problems. Even if a loved one wants to help, they are likely in the dark about where to find reliable addiction treatment services.
It is vital for those struggling with addiction and their families to know what type of treatment is appropriate for them, as well as which levels of care are available. We’re here to offer alcohol and drug addiction help by outlining a few key facts you need to know about addiction, including the most widely abused substances in the United States.
You can also read on for a few tips on what to look for in an addiction treatment facility.
How to Know If a Loved One Is Addicted to Drugs or Alcohol
Many individuals with a substance abuse problem are unaware that they need medical treatment to overcome their addiction. Likewise, family members often struggle to identify the signs of addiction in their loved one.
Gaining more awareness about the most common signs and symptoms of addiction makes it easier for individuals and their loved ones to seek the treatment they truly need. Use the following list of visible addiction symptoms to address an ongoing substance abuse problem in a loved one:
Common Signs and Symptoms of Addiction
Many signs of addiction, such as poor nutrition or problems performing consistently at work, are universal. Other symptoms are specific to a substance, based on a drug’s chemical makeup or how the drug is consumed. For example, substance abuse involving intravenous heroin use carries very different health risks than snorting cocaine.
- Major change in attitude
- Bloodshot eyes
- Sneaky and risky behavior
- Shift in body weight, such as rapid weight loss or gain
- Lack of interest in normal activities and hobbies
- Lying or making up excuses
- New friends
- Changes in sleep patterns
Most Commonly Abused Substances
In the U.S., the most commonly abused substances, whether legal or illegal, are as follows:
- Alcohol
- Benzodiazepines
- Illicit Drugs
- Opiates
- Sleeping Pills
- Stimulants
Personalized Addiction Treatment Services Are Necessary
Every individual’s experience with drugs or alcohol is uniquely personal. A person who began abusing alcohol by mimicking his parent’s behavior as a teenager, for example, has a much different experience in treatment than a middle-aged adult who developed a substance abuse problem to cope with the death of a family member.
These personal differences emphasize the need for equally personalized treatment. Failure to get proper treatment exposes those struggling with substance abuse to numerous short- and long-term risks:
- Personal risks – Those who abuse drugs and alcohol do lasting damage to their personal relationships. Trust and reputation issues are inevitable when those struggling with addiction put their substance abuse ahead of their friends and family.
- Health risks – Substance abuse takes a heavy toll on the body. As a result, those who abuse drugs and alcohol are at a higher risk for poor nutrition and developing debilitating diseases. Addicts are at a higher risk for developing mental health issues as well.
- Career risks – The functioning addict is a myth. Addiction makes it impossible for individuals to achieve long-term success at work or school. Physical and mental consequences of substance abuse limits the addict’s ability to perform consistently at the office.
What to Expect at an Addiction Treatment Center
Considering the importance of personalized treatment, it is vital that individuals and their loved ones are able to evaluate what an addiction treatment center has to offer. Look for following the following major services when deciding which treatment facility is right for your family:
Get Professional Guidance in Your Search for an Addiction Treatment Program
It’s so important for those struggling with substance use and their family members to find an addiction treatment center that lines up with the individual’s personal recovery needs.
Locating the right treatment program can mean the difference between someone successfully overcoming substance abuse or falling into a pattern of relapse. Call today to speak confidentially with a specialist who can go over the best options available to you or a loved one for addiction treatment:
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