Professional in the addiction industry
by Holistic Lifestyles Radio on Aug.25, 2010, under Home
If you’re not a professional in the addiction industry, it is sometime very difficult to spot the signs of addiction. Further these signs may be very subtle and you may brush them off as natural or normal. While the following is not a comprehensive list of the signs of addiction, it is a guide for parents, families and loved ones to help recognize the disease in its infancy and stop it before it goes too far.
- Strange behavior including outbursts that can sometimes be violent. Addiction does affect brain function and the substance abuser may well show sudden and uncharacteristic mood swings as well as dangerous behavior towards themselves or others.
- Significant changes in sleeping or eating habits can be signs of abuse or addiction.
- Changes in appearance such as bloodshot eyes, different clothes and dramatic weight gain or loss may indicate abuse or addiction.
- Social interaction is one of the most obvious signs of the possibility of addiction. Frequenting areas, bars or nightclubs known to have drug problems or abandoning one social circle to join another drastically different group of friends can be telltale signs.
- Isolation is a common side effect of drug abuse. As the abuser or addict becomes more involved in the substance, they in turn become less involved in their normal social interactions.
- Excessive risk taking – a drug addict will risk significant bodily and social harm as a result of the addiction. call 877-799-8773
