What Are The Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse
People use drugs and misuse drugs for a for a variety of reasons. Drug abuse and misuse can occur with over the counter medications, prescription medications and medications obtained illegally.
There are a number of reasons why many people take potentially addictive medications including relief of chronic pain, stress, or just wanting to feel good. However, long term use can lead to dependency on many of the narcotic type medications. The longer you take narcotic medications the greater the likelihood you will need to take more and more to achieve the same effect resulting in abuse and possibly addiction.
Evidence of substance abuse is not always obvious and it is helpful to understand the signs and symptoms of substance abuse.
The following are some of the signs and symptoms of substance abuse:
The earlier substance abuse is caught, the better the chance of beating it and recovering.
Tolerance – When you need to use more of the substance to achieve the same effects, it’s a sign that you may be slipping toward substance abuse. For example, one cup of coffee may wake you up for a few weeks but eventually you may feel like you need to drink two cups of coffee to get the same wakeful effects. Now, we’re not saying that you’re abusing coffee. It’s merely an example of how you can build up a tolerance to a substance.
Avoidance and Dependence – If you find that you’re looking forward to the substance to help you avoid feeling a particular way, then it’s a sign of substance abuse. Another sign is feeling dependent on a chemical to feel good, happy, or to relax.
Sneaking, Hiding, and Lying – Are you honest and upfront about your substance or do you hide it from others? If a doctor asked you, would you tell them the truth? If you feel the need to hide or lie about your substance, that’s a sign that you’re addicted and dependent on the material or abusing it.
It’s Become Priority – If a particular substance has become a priority in your life, meaning it’s foremost in your thoughts and actions, then you probably have a problem. If you’re putting a drug ahead of your responsibilities, family obligations, social life, and personal health then it’s time to get some help.
Your Health has Changed – Have you experienced any health changes? Do you sleep differently now than you used to? Does your skin, hair and eyes shine with vitality or do you look a little worn down? Are you energetic without the substance or do you need the substance to feel good? Have you gained or lost weight? Are you sick more often? DO you get chronic headaches, especially when you don’t have the substance in your system? These are all health related signs and symptoms that the chemical is having a negative effect on your health.
Substance abuse can sneak up on a person. One glass of wine a night can, when it’s not carefully monitored, turn into a bottle a day. Prescription medications can lose their potency and you may need more to achieve the same results.
If you can relate to any of the above signs or symptoms or someone in your life exhibits them, then a substance abuse problem may be the result.