7 Subtle Signs of Addiction and How to Cope

Red White and Yellow Medication Pills

Substance abuse issues that we see in TV or films are dramatic, horrific issues. Typically, we see an addict portrayed as erratic or disheveled, always in search of their next fix.

In reality, however, addiction is a disease that affects nearly 23 million Americans, and it’s not always as obvious as the media makes it out to be. Someone with a drug or alcohol addiction can be a fully functional, productive, and social being — but even then, some subtleties can give loved ones a clue that there’s an addiction hiding below the surface and that’s why it is better to take them to the alcoholism rehab center as soon as you notice the slightest behavior change due to their addiction. Before making a decision, you can also check out between inpatient vs outpatient mental health programs and select the one which suits you the best.

However, if you have been in an accident in recent months, there is a chance that you have been put on Oxycodone in order to relieve some of the pain you are in. When it is recommended for a person to undergo a medication plan that recommends oxycodone usage, it can be incredibly common for people to wonder how addictive oxycodone as a substance actually is. One of the first stages of addiction is recreational oxycodone use, this tends to be done either at parties or when generally socializing with friends. This is something everyone should be aware of!

If you’ve been noticing odd behaviour or habits or have a sneaking suspicion that someone you love is struggling with addiction,you can take them to los angeles detox center or you can also ask them to visit Mcshin Foundation as they help to recover people from drug addiction. here are seven signs to look out for and how to respond with care. They can also check out la detox center depending on their location and the intensity of their addiction.

1. Change in Eating and Sleeping Habits

Drugs often interact with our body’s systems and habits, including eating and sleeping patterns. They may be eating far more or less than usual, and they may be complaining that their sleep schedule is out of whack. 

Opioids, in particular, can make a user profoundly sleepy, but those in withdrawal can experience horrible insomnia. If you notice these signs, referring them to an opioid & heroin detox in Richmond, VA,is the safest way your loved one can begin their sobriety journey. 

2. Flaking on Plans

All of a sudden, one of your friends that you usually spend most of your weekends with has been flaking or bailing at the last minute. At first, you brush it off as normal busyness, but then it keeps happening. Eventually, you feel like you’re never seeing them anymore. 

Does this sound familiar? Flaking on plans with various detailed excuses can indicate that your loved one is trying to isolate themselves to hide what’s really going on. 

3. Attempts to Hide Physical Appearance

When you finally get to see your friend or family member, how do they look? If you can’t really tell, they could be using several methods to disguise or hide their physical appearance from you. 

Substance abuse can create blood-shot eyes, weight loss, and hollowed under-eyes — you may notice an over-use of things like eye drops, concealer, or scarves to cover their physical appearance.

4. Low-Key Money Problems

Supporting an addiction is costly, so those abusing drugs may find themselves in a bind financially or looking for sources of extra income to fund their next score. If your loved one is asking for money, has come across sudden money troubles, or is performing various odd jobs out of the blue, you may want to keep an eye on them to determine if drug use could be the case.

5. Vague Sickness and Doctor Shopping

A constant, vague sickness can be a tempting way to cover up a drug addiction. Visiting several doctors without settling on one provider or diagnosis can also be a sign that they may be fishing for pharmaceuticals.

6. Overuse of Scented Products

Using drugs or alcohol can cause strong scents to linger on clothes, hair, and the body, so if you notice a friend or family member suddenly using more breath mints, mouthwash, hand sanitiser, or perfume, this could be a way to cover up the scent of smoke or alcohol that hangs around.

7. Elaborate Stories

When someone is secretly using drugs, they need stories to explain where they’ve been and what they’ve been doing. This calls for lies, and someone suffering from an addiction can develop elaborate, detailed lies to try to convince their loved ones that nothing is amiss. If you notice an oversharing of information or unnecessarily elaborate tales, keep an eye on your friend in case you notice additional causes for concern.

How to Help

Addiction isn’t always noticeably dramatic, sometimes it’s the subtle differences that give it away. 

If you notice one or more of these signs in a friend or family member who you love, the best way to help them is by talking directly with them about what you’ve been noticing and expressing your concern for their wellbeing. It may be helpful to look here for a treatment center where they can get help and offer your support through the process. 

Anabel Cooper

Anabel is a graduate of King’s College London and upon graduating, she set out on a journey to inspire and empower women through her words. Besides working as a digital marketing expert, Anabel is a freelance copywriter.