How to See the Signs of Drug Addiction - Ways to Tell If Your Child Or Loved One Has a Problem
By Dee Cohen
When someone turns to drug abuse or alcohol to cope with problems or fit in with others, it isn't something that may be noticed by others right away. If you directly ask the person there is a 99 percent chance they will deny that they have an addiction problem. They may dismiss the question saying that they relax once in a while with friends using recreational drugs, but don't have a substance abuse problem.
One clue can be to look at someone's eyes. Does the person seem to stare out into space a lot, have bloodshot eyes or appear much less attentive than in the past? Someone who is getting high with pot may also be very much in the present moment and magnify it perceptually. In terms of a speed addiction to amphetamines, the person may seem overly hyper or energetic. People like different drugs for different effects and the signs and symptoms will vary.
If you are a parent, try to be aware if you smell a scent on your teen's clothing after he takes a walk. Does he seem to crave his privacy? Is your child being more defensive and secretive? Are you seeing large mood shifts such as uncontrollable laughter over things that don't seem that funny? Is there any change in study habits or school grades? Adolescents is a difficult period due to hormonal changes so some of these characteristics can also apply to normal adolescent growth.
If you are dealing with a spouse, girlfriend or parent you may suspect look at the following points. Does the person seem to be less interested in doing things with the family, participate less in their former hobbies and appear more distant to others? Are you seeing mood changes?
Try to have an honest conversation with the person. You don't have to bring up drugs in the conversation. Just ask about what the current stress triggers are for the person you care about. Help them to open up about what is going on in their life and try to not judge. This can be a way that through the trust they will share with you the situation they are in.
The earlier drug addiction problems are treated the easier it is to stop both the physical and psychological aspects of dependency.
Learn more about drug abuse and addiction at Drug Addiction Articles to find ways to help someone you love at http://www.drug-and-alcohol-rehab-info.com/addiction/
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