Have you ever felt that you were using a certain substance so frequently that it negatively affected you and the people close to you? You may have SUD, also known as substance use disorder. SUD is a commonly reported disorder affecting approximately 20 million people in the US. While it is often believed that substance abuse is caused by a lack of willpower or an individual’s behavior, it is vital to note that certain factors, such as biology, contribute significantly. It is also important to recognize SUD’s early signs and symptoms to promote early treatment and quicker recovery. Below are the five warning signs that may require you to consider Cordova substance abuse treatment for yourself or your loved one.
Relationship Problems
Generally, addiction induces conflicts with people around you – whether at school, home or work. While you or your loved one may experience these problems occasionally, one alarming sign of substance use disorder is having frequent conflicts with others. An individual suffering from SUD tends to lose interest in family and friends. You may also feel that your family members or friends are isolating themselves from you and react negatively.
Uncontrollable Consumption
Another warning sign of substance abuse disorder is when your alcohol or drug use is uncontrollable – you are using more than the prescribed dosage and keep on craving for more. For such scenarios, it is advisable to contact your healthcare provider to seek immediate medical treatment. Your doctor will work closely with you to help you safely and effectively free yourself from alcohol or drug addiction and recommend various long-term treatment solutions.
Physical Changes
The most notable sign of substance abuse is significant changes in your appearance. These physical changes may include trembling hands, poor hygiene, sweating profusely, dilated pupils, weight loss, and bloodshot eyes. You may also experience frequent nose bleeds and mild to severe chest pains.
Behavioral Changes
Persons with substance abuse disorders tend to rely heavily on alcohol and drugs to relax or sleep. You may also feel easily irritable, have frequent mood swings, or be anxious. You are more likely to keep things to yourself and become angry when someone questions your behavior. Moreover, you may lose interest in activities you enjoyed performing before.
Irregular Drug Consumption
Some warning signs such as sleepiness, falls, frequent memory loss and depression can point to substance abuse disorder, including in older patients. Some of the commonly abused drugs by older patients are stimulants, anti-anxiety, and pain-relieving medications. Individuals addicted to a certain medication frequently change their doctors so their new doctor can prescribe them the same prescription. As a result, they accumulate many of these prescriptions and continue abusing them without considering the consequences.
Seek Professional Help for Substance Abuse Today
The signs and symptoms of substance use disorder typically vary from one individual to another and can be categorized into social, mental, or physical signs. As a sibling, colleague, parent, or friend, it is very difficult to watch substance abuse problems affect your loved ones. Fortunately, you can take note of the above-mentioned early warning signs of SUD so that you can take the necessary measures to help your loved one recover. Get started today and contact trained professionals for personalized and comprehensive treatment solutions for substance abuse disorder.
