Recognizing a Substance Use Problem

Recognizing if yourself or a loved one might have a substance use problem, is the first step to recovery.

The first step is to look out for signs that you or a loved one might be abusing substances and have developed a dependence.

General Signs of Addiction
  • Difficulties at school, disinterest in school-related activities, and declining grades
  • Poor work performance, being chronically late to work, appearing tired and disinterested in work duties, and receiving poor performance reviews
  • Changes in physical appearance, such as wearing inappropriate or dirty clothing and a lack of interest in grooming
  • Altered behavior, such as an increased desire for privacy
  • Drastic changes in relationships
  • A noticeable lack of energy when performing daily activities
  • Spending more money than usual or requesting to borrow money
  • Issues with financial management, such as not paying bills on time
  • Changes in appetite, such as a decreased appetite and associated weight loss
  • Bloodshot eyes, poor skin tone, and appearing tired or run down
  • Defensiveness when asked about substance use
How to help a loved one
  • Acknowledge that your friend might not see their drug use as a problem
  • Talk to your friend about your concerns
  • Be positive and let your friend know that you’re there for them
  • Avoid using emotional appeals
  • Find out about treatment resources that are available
  • Don’t forget about yourself
  • Support recovery as an ongoing process
What do avoid when helping a loved one
  • Preaching, lecturing, threatening or moralizing your loved one.
  • Emotional appeals that may increase the feelings of guilt and the compulsion to use drugs.
  • Lying or making excuses for their behavior.
  • Taking over their responsibilities. Doing this protects them from the consequences of their behavior.
  • Enabling their behavior by covering up the abuse or giving them money for drugs.
  • Arguing with your loved one when they’re using drugs. During this time, your loved one won’t be able to hold a rational conversation and likely won’t be open to what you have to say.
  • Feeling guilty or responsible for their behavior. It’s not your fault.

Where to go for help and support

Family & Peers

Supportive peers and family can improve one’s willingness to change their behavior, improve one’s ability to function in sobriety, self-efficacy and quality of life

Recovery Communities

Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, Smart Recovery- These give people a chance to interact with, connect and learn from other people in recovery in an anonymous setting.

Doctors

Can help set up a treatment plan and can provide support through it

Counselors and Therapists

Substance use may stem from various mental health issues or trauma. Therapy can be a great resource for individuals in recovery.

Benefits of Recovery

Improved performance in school
  • Better focus
  • Improved memory
  • Healthier sleep schedule
Mental health benefits
  • Decrease anxiety
  • Improved symptoms of depression
  • Mood stabilization
  • Improved confidence and feelings of self worth
Social benefits
  • Less likely to encounter financial or legal problems
  • Improves relationships with friends and family
  • More time to explore other hobbies and interests
Physical benefits
  • Reduced risk of various cancers
  • Reduced risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, stomach and intestinal problems, as well as a number of other diseases
  • Reduced risk of accidental injury 
  • Greater overall health
  • More energy

Resources: 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3573929/

https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/drug-addiction/related-topics/help-someone-drug-addiction/#gref

https://americanaddictioncenters.org/adult-addiction-treatment-programs/know-is-someone-on-drugs

https://www.drugrehab.com/addiction/alcohol/benefits-of-sobriety/

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1403494812459608