It can be challenging when you begin to suspect that a loved one might be struggling with substance abuse. You may not know what to do and how to help. Fortunately, there are things you can do, both for the loved one struggling in your life and for yourself. But, first, identifying substance use disorder symptoms can further help to identify this issue in you and your loved one’s lives.
What is Substance Use Disorder?
Before you can begin to get help for substance use disorder, it can help by identifying symptoms of this condition so you can understand more about it. This way, therapist boca raton can help you to take the best steps to getting you and your loved one the help that’s necessary to get better and move forward with a life of wellbeing.
Substance Use Disorder, as identified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Association, is a treatable illness that’s characterized by substance abuse consequences that negatively impair an individual’s life. These consequences can include both social and behavioral adaptations as a result of drug use that can affect an individual’s life in nearly every way.
Signs and Symptoms of Substance Use Disorder
Signs and symptoms of substance abuse are changes in an individual’s life that can become debilitating or hard to recognize. Types of changes brought on by substance abuse can include behavioral, societal, and physical changes.
Behavioral changes that are signs or symptoms of substance use disorder can include:
-conducting risky behaviors like drinking and driving
-breaking the law by stealing or other criminal activity
-keeping secrets or avoiding confrontation about behaviors
-missing school, work, or other responsibilities
-mood swings that come out of the blue
-moments of hyperactivity, euphoria, and grandiosity
Societal changes that can be signs or symptoms that may indicate substance use disorder include:
-avoiding family events
-losing touch with friends and family
-legal, financial, or relationship issues from trouble as the result of drug use
-asking for money from loved ones
-continual use of drugs or alcohol even after apparent consequences as a result
Physical changes that can characterize substance abuse disorder to recognize in a loved one may include:
-sudden fluctuations in weight
-poor hygiene
-deterioration of physical health and appearance
-slurring of speech
-body tremors
-changes to eyes like redness and/or pupil size changes
How to Help a Person You Love Living With Substance Use Disorder
Now that you can recognize the signs and symptoms of substance use disorder, you may be wondering how to get your loved one who is living with this illness help. Fortunately, treatment is effective in giving individuals the tools needed to take the right steps toward healing. Plus, treatment educates people to utilize various skill sets helpful in tackling underlying symptoms that are the root cause of addictive behaviors.
Helping a loved one dealing with substance abuse includes also helping yourself. Find family and loved one resources available to help today. Furthermore, it can help to remain trustworthy and open to the loved one in your life, as offering support is essential for successful treatment. Finally, research treatment options in your area that offer effective approaches in order to overcome this illness.