Drug abuse of any nature presents itself with a variety of symptoms. Sometimes addicts may try to hide symptoms relating to their health, but it’s the behavioral signs that they can’t hide.
They can’t hide them because it’s hard to hide one’s actions or conduct, especially when dealing with others around you. Psychologists and psychiatrists may refer to behavioral signs as psychological signs because they usually indicate a mental health issue.
It, therefore, makes it important to watch out for changes in behavior when dealing with a person you suspect is involved in drug abuse.
Keep reading to find out more about the behavioral signs of drug abuse.
Behavior Indicators of Drug Abuse
Behavioral problems may vary according to the type of drug that an individual is abusing. For example, the behavioral signs of abusing a sedative may differ from those of abusing a depressant.
However, there’re common indicators that cut across almost all drugs. They include;
– Extreme changes in mood whereby one moment they may be calm, and the next they are aggressive and agitated.
– Neglect of personal hygiene and grooming, especially if they didn’t have the issue before.
– Being secretive, especially when it comes to hiding evidence of drug abuse.
– Indulging in petty theft as a means of funding their drug use.
– Engaging in behavior that puts them at unnecessary risk or puts their life in danger, such as dangerous driving or engaging in unprotected sex.
– Constant fatigue and exhaustion even without doing strenuous work. The individual may also spend a lot of time sleeping off the effects of the drug they’re abusing.
– Becoming a habitual liar, especially when people confront them about drug use.
– Sudden loss of interest in activities that they previously found enjoyable.
Consequences of Change in Behavior by Drug Addicts
Those close to the individual are the most affected when an individual engages in drug abuse. It includes family, close friends, and even workmates. The behavior change results in conflicts that may lead to strained relationships.
Here are ways in which a change in behavior by a person abusing drugs affects their social life.
– Constant conflicts when family and friends identify the cause of the problem to which the individual isn’t ready to give up the abuse of drugs
– Termination of work due to absenteeism or showing up to work while intoxicated
– Family breakdown due to the neglect of parental duties
– Failure to concentrate on school studies, which leads to dropping out of school
When the behavior change causes disruptions in family, school, or career life, it indicates a worsening drug abuse problem.
In such a scenario, consider visiting https://www.americasrehabcampuses.com to find out how to mitigate the adverse effects of any drug abuse.
What to Do if You Notice Behavioral Signs of Drug Abuse
Pay attention to the signs as soon as you notice a change in behavior, especially in a way that negatively affects the individual or the people around them.
Mental health experts say that pretending there’s no problem only worsens it, and you could be blowing the chance to treat the problem in its early stages.
Instead, you should seek the services of an addiction counselor, preferably in a rehab. They will develop a treatment plan for the specific drug abuse problem since the behavioral signs may vary depending on the drug.
Read Also
- How to Find a 5-Star Dentist Near YouChoosing a dentist is more than just finding someone who can clean your teeth. It’s about selecting a trusted partner in your long-term oral health. A 5-star dentist not only provides excellent clinical care but also delivers a positive patient experience, from the moment you walk in until the moment you leave. Whether you’re new… Read more: How to Find a 5-Star Dentist Near You
- Your Easy-Peasy Guide to Brewing Amazing MatchaHey there! So, you’ve heard all the buzz about matcha – that vibrant green powder that’s not just pretty but packed with good stuff? It can seem a little fancy and intimidating at first, but trust me, making a delicious cup at home is simpler than you think. Forget complicated ceremonies for now; let’s just… Read more: Your Easy-Peasy Guide to Brewing Amazing Matcha
- Embracing Holistic Wellness: Insights from a Lansing, MI Health CenterReframing Health: Moving Beyond Symptom Management Treating only symptoms often offers quick relief, yet long-term results stay out of reach. When care zeroes in on isolated complaints, the bigger picture, such as stress, behavior, or lifestyle, often gets missed. Research shows that whole-person care, which looks at physical, emotional, and environmental factors, yields better outcomes… Read more: Embracing Holistic Wellness: Insights from a Lansing, MI Health Center
- VO₂ Max Testing Explained: What It Is & Why It Matters for Your HealthVO₂ max sounds like a term reserved for elite athletes, but it’s among the most accurate measures of your lifetime and general condition. Moreover, it goes beyond performance. Monitoring your VO₂ max will help you to ascertain your body’s capacity to control stress, its oxygen consumption efficiency, and your internal ageing process. If you have… Read more: VO₂ Max Testing Explained: What It Is & Why It Matters for Your Health
- So, what exactly is matcha?Think of matcha as green tea turned up to eleven! Instead of steeping leaves and tossing them out, matcha is made by grinding whole green tea leaves into this super-fine, vibrant green powder. You whisk it right into hot water (or milk!), meaning you’re drinking the entire leaf. That’s why folks say you get way… Read more: So, what exactly is matcha?
- How to Tell When It’s Time for Professional Senior Care SupportCaring for an aging loved one is a journey filled with love, patience, and difficult decisions. One of the toughest choices families face is knowing when it’s time to seek extra help. In this article, trusted Los Angeles caregivers for seniors explore the signs that it might be time to bring in professional support, not… Read more: How to Tell When It’s Time for Professional Senior Care Support