Addiction Impacts Everyone
When someone struggles with addiction, their relationships with family, friends, and loved ones often become impacted and have negative consequences.
If you suspect that a loved one may be struggling with addiction, confronting them can be challenging and nerve-wracking. You may experience internal conflict between wanting to help them without wanting to enable their behavior.
Below are symptoms to look for in your loved ones to know if it is time to get them the help they need.
Physical Changes
Some of the most noticeable changes you may observe in a loved one are significant physical changes. Different substances can result in different physical symptoms. However, if you notice any of the following physical changes, you may want to talk to your loved one about how to get them the help they need.
Common physical changes include:
- Weight gain or loss.
- Sores or marks on skin.
- Dilated or constricted pupils.
- Extreme lethargy.
- Decline of sexual function.
Behavioral Changes
Addiction to drugs or alcohol can affect one’s behavior in a variety of ways. Their negative behaviors can put a lot of stress on important relationships.
Some behavioral changes to look for include:
- Unpredictable mood swings
- Withdrawal or isolation from friends and family
- Skipping important work or school meetings
- More heated arguments
- Frequently asking for money
Psychological Changes
Substance use can alter the brain’s chemicals and regular mental functioning. While substances impact an individual’s judgment and control, there are other noticeable psychological changes that may indicate your loved one has a substance dependency.
If you observe any of these psychological changes in your loved one, they made need professional help:
- Anxiety and/or depression.
- Lack of motivation.
- Paranoia.
- Hallucinations.
- Change in sleep patterns.
Help Your Loved One Today
If you have noticed any of the physical, behavioral, or psychological changes in your loved one, they may be in need of professional help. The team at Chattanooga Recovery Center is dedicated to helping anyone suffering from addiction reclaim their life through an individualized treatment plan.
Call (423) 226-5331 to learn more about our treatment options and how we can guide your loved one on the road to recovery.
