For many parents, fearing your child has an addiction problem is extremely overwhelming. Fortunately, identifying the signs of an addiction helps you determine the necessity of substance abuse treatment. To do so, familiarize yourself with the four common signs your loved one may have a problem.
1. Engaging in Risky Behavior While under the Influence
Drugs and alcohol break down inhibitions, causing individuals to do things they usually wouldn’t consider. In particular, young people are more prone to risky behavior while under the influence. Consider whether your son or daughter has done any of the following to determine if they have a problem:
- Operated a motor vehicle while intoxicated
- Engaged in risky sexual activity
- Overdosed
- Threatened the safety of others
- Experienced legal issues or you’ve gotten into trouble with law enforcement
- Attempted suicide
2. Drug or Alcohol use is Causing Health Problems
Long term drug and alcohol use can have detrimental effects on the body. Even so, many people continue using after developing heart, lung, or liver complications. Some also mix drugs or alcohol with medication, despite knowing the consequences.
Additionally, many users go to great lengths to hide medical problems. They may refuse to go to the doctor or use excessive amounts of over-the-counter medication to mask symptoms. Unfortunately, this only compounds the problem by creating new physical and psychological dependency.
Seeking substance abuse treatment is necessary for anyone suffering health consequences from addiction. While you can’t reverse medical issues, it’s often possible to control them more quickly after reaching sobriety.
3. Being without a Substance Results in Severe Withdrawal Symptoms
Many people refuse to quit drugs or alcohol because they can’t handle the withdrawal symptoms. Some common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Extreme paranoia
- Mood swings
- Insomnia or sleeping too much
- Nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps
- Severe headaches
- Heart palpitations
- Shaking or convulsions
- Crying spells
The longer a person uses, the more severe the side effects are when stopping. Therefore, those with a severe addiction shouldn’t attempt detox by themselves. Medical supervision allows individuals to rid chemicals from the body safely and reduces the risk of severe health complications.
4. Numerous Attempts to Quit Have Proven Unsuccessful
Your teen or young adult may promise to quit using drugs or alcohol innumerable times, but never actually do it. They may also stop, but end up relapsing shortly after. If these situations frequently occur, your son or daughter needs help from the proper substance abuse programs.
Unfortunately, criticizing your loved one when you’re not the one facing an addiction is easy. Breaking the addiction cycle isn’t something most people can do alone. Therefore, don’t feel shame or apprehension when getting someone you love the necessary help.
What if my Child Needs Substance Abuse Treatment?
At Zelus Recovery in Meridian, Idaho, when a family member displays signs of addiction, our family therapy program provides crucial support. Involving the entire family increases the chances of getting sober and maintaining a drug-free lifestyle.
Are you having difficulty convincing your child to seek treatment? If so, our early intervention program can also help. An intervention forces users to confront their addiction. This intervention helps them take the necessary steps to achieve a sober, drug-free life.
Additionally, if you fear your child has a mental illness that’s led to an addiction, we offer dual diagnosis treatment as well. Co-occurring disorders are challenging to cope with, especially while in the throes of adolescence.
Help someone you care about overcome their addiction to quality drug rehab. Contact us at 208.518.0797, and we’ll help your son or daughter take the first step toward recovery.
