Signs of Drug Abuse

Recognizing the Signs of Addiction

Realizing that a loved one has a problem with drugs or alcohol and confronting them about it is not easy—but it can mean the difference between getting them the help they need or watching them destroy their life and cause pain to those around them. Knowing the signs of drug abuse can help you determine whether a loved one needs professional help. Is your loved one:

• Finding it difficult to establish or maintain relationships?
• Missing work or school frequently and/or failing to maintain steady employment or perform well at duties?
• Displaying unusual weight gain or loss?
• Trying to avoid others?
• Being secretive about activities?
• Paying less attention to personal hygiene?
• Losing interest in previously enjoyed activities?
• Experiencing disruptions in sleep and eating patterns?
• Having problems with money, reputation or law enforcement?

If one or more of these issues describe your loved one, they may benefit from the help of a professional alcohol and drug rehab program. Call  17172253906 today to learn more.

Helping a Loved One Get Treatment for Addiction

Long-term inpatient treatment focused on the needs of the whole person is the best prospect for successful addiction recovery, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). You can best help your loved one by encouraging them to choose treatment for themselves since ultimately recovery is a choice that they and they alone can make. The following tips will help you in that process:

• Talk to your loved one –  Choose a time when he or she is sober and calm.
• Tell the truth – diplomatically –  Gently, and with care not to be overly critical or confrontational, matter-of-factly describe what you have seen, why you are concerned and why you believe the treatment will help.
• Offer your support – The idea of living sober probably seems overwhelming to your loved one. Tell them that you are ready to support them 100% percent through the recovery process.
• Prepare yourself for denial –  Addiction negatively affects memory, learning, and judgment. Your loved one may refuse to believe they are addicted, even if the consequences of their actions are obvious.
• Establish boundaries – If you have enabled your loved one by making excuses for their behavior or providing other means of support, tell them you no longer will support a lifestyle fueled by alcohol or drugs.
• Consider a formal intervention – If your efforts fail, do not be surprised. It often takes multiple conversations before an addicted individual agrees to get help. Sometimes, a formal intervention with the help of a certified interventionist is necessary.

Staging a Family Intervention

During an intervention, family and friends confront the individual struggling with addiction. The family intervention specialist plans and moderates the discussion. Each person takes turns expressing their concern and frustration, while also demonstrating their full support and hope that the individual is willing to seek professional treatment. If all goes as planned, your loved one will agree to enter treatment immediately.

Clarity Way treatment center has helped countless families plan and conduct successful substance abuse interventions. We understand the complex family dynamics of addiction and can be a resource in selecting an interventionist and helping clients better understand the intervention process. We know what it takes for drug and alcohol intervention programs to be successful, which means that you don’t need to spend another sleepless night worrying about the fate of your loved one. For more information on substance abuse treatment programs, contact us at  17172253906.