Learn more about addictive substances and warning signs.
Look through the information below to gain an overview of common substance abuse disorders and their warning signs. Don’t hesitate to reach out for more information, we are here to listen to help.
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Alcohol Use Disorder
With how commonly acceptable it is to drink in American culture, it may be difficult to notice when casual consumption slips into addiction territory. Alcohol abuse can spiral out of control quickly so it is important to notice the warning signs and be open to getting help.
Questions to Ask Yourself about Alcohol Use:
- Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?
- Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
- Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking?
- Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get over a hangover?
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Warning Signs of Alcohol Use Disorder
- Experiencing temporary blackouts or short-term memory loss.
- Exhibiting signs of irritability and extreme mood swings.
- Making excuses for drinking such as to relax, deal with stress or feel normal.
- Choosing to drink over other responsibilities and obligations.
- Becoming isolated and distant from friends and family members.
- Drinking alone or in secrecy.
- Feeling hungover when not drinking
- Changing appearance and group of acquaintances you hang out with.
Opioid Use Disorder
Medication prescribed by a doctor may feel safe, but opioids dependency is on the rise across America with overdose deaths continuing to climb. This dangerous drug may be prescribed by a doctor, but is also found through illegal means for those who become addicted.
If you are unable to control your usage of prescribed medication, you are slipping into opioid addiction. When your draw for the drug causes you to harm those around you and do things your previous self would be ashamed of, it’s time to reach out for help.
Recovery from Opioid addiction is very possible, you simply need the tools to achieve it. Let us help you.
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Warning Signs of Opioid Use Disorder
- Inability to control Opioid usage.
- Uncontrollable cravings.
- Drowsiness.
- Changes in sleep habits.
- Weight loss.
- Frequent flu-like symptoms.
- Decreased libido.
- Lack of hygiene.
- Changes in exercise habits.
- Isolation from family or friends.
- Stealing from family, friends, or businesses.
- New financial difficulties.
Methadone Abuse
Methadone can be a life-saving medication when utilized to manage other addictions. However, methadone does also have the risk of being addictive and needs to be managed closely by a medical professional for the duration of use.
If you begin experiencing withdrawal symptoms, an increased tolerance, and find yourself prioritizing access to the drug over normal responsibilities, you may be addicted. Don’t be afraid to reach out to discuss options and how to get your life back on track.
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Warning Signs of Methadone Abuse
- Increased tolerance to the drug alongside other warning signs.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms which may range from depression and insomnia to constipation and hot flashes or chills.
- Prioritizing the drug over friends, family, work, or other responsibilities.
Marijuana Abuse
Marijuana has been expanding into medical and recreational legality throughout the United States, however, just as alcohol is legal and addictive, marijuana usage comes with similar risk. No matter how a drug is obtained, legally or illegally, the focus is on recovery.
Questions to Ask Yourself about Marijuana Use:
- Have you ever felt you should cut down on your smoking?
- Have people annoyed you by criticizing your smoking?
- Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your smoking?
- Have you ever used first thing in the morning to start your day?
If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of marijuana addiction, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
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Warning Signs of Marijuana Abuse
- Inability to cut back on usage of the drug.
- Increased dosage or using the drug more often than you intend to.
- Emotional changes such as mood swings, panic attacks, paranoia, and anxiety.
- Impaired memory, motor function, or an altered sense of time.
Cocaine Abuse
Cocaine usage and cocaine addiction are not the same things, but cocaine abuse often leads to addiction. Cocaine use disorders are measured on a spectrum from mild to severe, depending on each individual and the symptoms they present.
Some individuals who use cocaine are able to quit completely on their own. Others need help and support from others as they change to a sober lifestyle. The best plan of action is to utilize all of the support systems available to you. Contact us today so we can help.
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Warning Signs of Cocaine Abuse
- Headaches, confusion, and possible coma.
- Trouble sleeping.
- Nausea, sweating, and chills.
- Violent behavior.
- Nosebleeds and high blood pressure.
- Heart attack, strokes, and seizures.
Benzodiazepine Abuse
Benzodiazepines-based drugs are prescribed to millions of people in America each year. These drugs, when mixed with alcohol (or other depressants), have a higher risk of leading to death by overdose. A user’s heart rate or breathing will drop until it stops completely during a fatal overdose.
Benzodiazepines target your brain and it’s cognitive functions, making it a difficult drug to quit on your own. Let us help you on your journey to sobriety.
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Warning Signs of Benzo Abuse
- Sweating
- Drowsiness
- Shallow breath
- Slurred speech
- Impaired coordination
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
Synthetic / Designer Drug Abuse
Also known as K2, spice, bath salts, etc. these drugs are created in a lab with a variety of ways to be packaged and distributed. Synthetic cannabinoids aim to mimic the effects of THC and are chemicals sprayed onto dried plant matter, which is dangerous for numerous reasons. These products can be found rather easily and may be heard of as “safe” but this is far from the case.
If you believe you know someone who would benefit from substance abuse treatment, speak with a dedicated counselor to see what your first steps should be. Recovery is possible.
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Warning Signs of Synthetic / Designer Drug Abuse
- Emotional changes such as mood swings, anger, and bouts of violence.
- Change in appearance.
- Nausea and loss of appetite.
- Newly emerging psychosis symptoms and behaviors which require treatment.
Inhalant Abuse
There are many substances that may be abused via inhaling them. The high provided by these products is not long-lasting, which can make it difficult to pinpoint if someone is abusing inhalants. There are a few warning signs you can look out for, and though the products used for this behavior may be household supplies, their use can still prove deadly.
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Warning Signs of Inhalant Abuse
- Red eyes, runny nose, and sores around the mouth.
- Paint or stains on clothing or face or a drunken appearance.
- Loss of appetite and unusual smelling breath.
- Anxiety or secretive behavior.
“Party Drugs” Abuse
“Party Drugs” is a broad term used to describe a variety illegal drugs which are sold in pill or capsule form. MDMA is commonly referred to as ectasy though it is also known by a variety of street names such as caps, doopa, love drug, X, and more.
If you feel that you or a loved one would benefit from substance abuse treatment, please reach out to us. We will discuss with you how best we can provide you with the help needed for recovery.
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Warning Signs of “Party Drugs” Abuse
- A feeling of euphoria along with increased energy, heart rate, and blood pressure.
- Enlarged pupils, teeth grinding or jaw clenching, plus overheating and dehydration.
- Paranoia, anxiety attacks, psychosis, and visual distortions.
