subject: Four Important Indicators Of Drug Addiction [print this page] It is alarming to note that back in 2008, the cost of substance abuse has reached over $500 billion as indicated by the National Institute on Drug Addiction. Moreover, the effects of substance abuse have taken on the lives of the afflicted and the society. Hence, it is very imperative for us to be keen on the following signs of drug abuse:
1. Changes in the Body. The following bodily changes indicate abuse of illegal drugs:
Unusual choices of clothes. A drug addict hides the scars of the needle through using of long-sleeved tops in any weather condition.
Poor personal hygiene
Sleeplessness, hyperactivity, low energy, and oversleeping
Late reaction, slow mental alertness, disorientation, changes in mental condition, slurred speech
Sudden weight gain or loss
Moreover, inhaled drugs frequently lead to serious respiratory ailments while others lead to poor dental health.
2. Psychological Changes. Strange mental and emotional changes include the following:
Irresponsibility
Seclusion of self from individuals
Depression, anxiousness, irritability
Having a world of his own
Hallucinations Fear
Hyperenergetic
Strangely loquacious
Irritable
3. Addiction and Resilience. If a person is addicted to drugs, his tolerance increases in time. The body's need for greater amounts of drugs is inevitable to prevent the afflicted from experiencing withdrawal symptoms. To sustain the high feeling, the drug addict will soon consider selling his possessions.
4. Withdrawal Symptoms. Increased use of drugs will mean that your tolerance will also increase. Thus, if your drug intake decreases, withdrawal syndrome comes in, that include pain, rage, chills, tremors, anxiety, insomnia, excessive sweating and flu-like signs and symptoms. The withdrawal syndrome pushes the drug addict further down the quagmire. Therefore, experts of drug treatment centers are needed to help alleviate the symptoms.
Warning signs of Teenage Addiction. Parents' instincts will certainly know whether an adolescent is undergoing some obscure and sudden changes in behavior. Some indicators include sudden disinterest in school, sleep problems, old friends gone, strange new friends, and seclusion. If you believe that your adolescent is hooked, then you should be able to consider drug treatment to save your child's future.
Risk Signs. Genetics, pressure from peers, low emotional quotient, mental problems and inability to deal with pain are some of the factors that contribute to the risk of being a drug dependent.
Let us try to be watchdogs of our family, colleagues and friends. When there is a slightest indication of drug abuse, then don't waste time. Vigilance and assertiveness will be your equipment towards the prevention of drug abuse prevalence.
