Implementing an addiction recovery program is crucial for staying on the road to sobriety, but many people don’t realize what the symptoms are that indicate a person needs an addiction recovery program in the first place. If you want to provide the best treatment for your loved one who is struggling with addiction, it helps if you recognize the symptoms to look out for.
Physical Symptoms Such As Headaches, Nausea, and Muscle Tremors
When an individual uses a drug, it activates the brain’s pleasure center. This can lead to increased feelings of pleasure but also negatively affects other brain areas, such as decision-making and memory function. Over time, these negative effects can become more pronounced as the brain becomes accustomed to receiving regular drug doses. When there is no longer any drug in the body, withdrawal symptoms occur that include nausea, muscle tremors, and headaches. These physical symptoms are one way that you can tell if someone is addicted because they will disappear once they stop using drugs or alcohol.
Tremendous Changes in Weight
People addicted to drugs, or alcohol tend to consume more calories than normal. This can lead to significant weight gain over time. It is also possible for someone with an addiction to lose weight because they are not eating enough food due to the effects of the substance they are consuming.
Mood Swings and Irritability
A person who has been abusing drugs or alcohol will often become irritable, angry, and irrational. These mood swings are due to the changes in brain chemistry caused by drug abuse. The more they use, the more likely they will experience these mood swings. Even when they stop using, it can take some time before their brain chemistry levels out again. During this time, they easily become irritated or angry over small things like not finding their keys or forgetting where they parked their car.
Intense Guilt and Depression
One of the most common symptoms of addiction is intense guilt. This may be accompanied by depression, making it difficult to get through the day. Some people may find that they cannot face their reflection in the mirror because they feel so bad about what they have done. They often feel like they are worth nothing, which can lead to suicidal thoughts or attempts at suicide.
Memory Loss and Blackouts
This is another symptom that many people who struggle with addiction experience. When someone has a blackout, they may find that they don’t remember events that took place while they were intoxicated. These events could include doing something illegal or dangerous, but the person may not even remember doing it until after the event has happened. If someone experiences blackouts regularly, there is a high chance that they have an addiction problem and should seek treatment as soon as possible.
Lack of Interest in Personal Hygiene or Appearance
Some people using drugs or alcohol may not take care of themselves as much as they normally would. They may not shower regularly, dress appropriately, and may have poor hygiene. This can be due to the fact that many people become so addicted to drugs and alcohol that they do not care about their appearance anymore.
Money Trouble
One of the main signs of drug or alcohol dependence is having money trouble due to spending too much money on substances instead of paying bills, buying groceries, and other necessities for daily life. If someone you love has been spending a lot of money on substances and has no money left over for basic living expenses, this could indicate that they have a substance abuse problem.
Inability To Focus on Tasks
If you notice that your loved one is constantly late for work or skipping important events, this could indicate an addiction problem. Addiction causes many issues with prioritizing responsibilities and obligations, which makes it difficult for them to keep up with everything going on in their lives. Like any disorder, addiction can affect anyone. If you realize that you or a loved one has symptoms of an addiction, please know that rehab is effective when you find the best addiction recovery program in your area. Call us today at 732-392-7311 to talk with a treatment specialist who will discuss detox and help you find the best option for your individual recovery needs.
