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At NuLife Behavioral Health in Illinois, we know that drug abuse affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of substance abuse and addiction is crucial for early intervention and effective treatment. Whether you’re concerned about a loved one or seeking help for yourself, understanding the behavioral, physical, and psychological symptoms of drug abuse can be a lifeline toward a healthier, drug-free future.
Symptoms and Signs of Addiction
Drug abuse can be seen through behavioral, physical, and psychological changes. These signs serve as crucial warning signals that someone may be struggling with substance use. Look for:
- Behavioral Changes. Sudden shifts in behavior, mood swings, unusually secretive actions, unexplained financial problems, changes in social circles, and neglect of one’s responsibilities. A decline in academic performance is a common behavioral sign of drug abuse in adolescents and college students.
- Physical Health Effects. Bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, impaired coordination, changes in appetite, frequent nosebleeds (in the case of cocaine addiction), and significant weight loss or gain.
The physical health effects of substance abuse can also clue you in as to what drugs are being used. For example, people abusing stimulants like methamphetamine, cocaine, or ecstasy (“X”) often abruptly lose their appetite and experience significant weight loss.
- Psychological Effects. Noticeable alterations in thought patterns, memory issues, impaired judgment, increased irritability, anxiety, paranoia, and uncharacteristic impulsivity.
- Obsessive Thinking. In time, a person suffering from drug or alcohol abuse will think obsessively about getting, having, and using their substance (s) of choice.
- Drug Cravings and Tolerance: An intense desire for the substance, escalating doses to achieve the desired effect, and an apparent increase in drug tolerance over time.
- Withdrawal Symptoms: Experiencing physical and emotional discomfort when attempting to quit, such as nausea, sweating, insomnia, and restlessness.
Signs of addiction can vary by the drug that is being used and the level of addiction. Learn more about these popular substances and their effects:
Key Takeaway
Substance abuse and drug addiction can happen to anyone. Some signs of addiction and symptoms of drug abuse are not easy to see, but substance use and addiction will produce marked and visible changes in a person’s behaviors and health.
How NuLife Illinois Can Help You Overcome Drug Abuse and Find Hope in Recovery
Struggling with drug abuse can be an overwhelming and isolating experience, but you don’t have to face it alone. NuLife Illinois offers treatment options to guide clients toward a life free from substance misuse. With a range of evidence-based programs and a dedicated team of professionals, NuLife Illinois is committed to helping you achieve lasting recovery.
Comprehensive Programs
NuLife Illinois offers a variety of evidence-based programs that cater to different levels of care and individual preferences:
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP). For those who need more intensive care, partial hospitalization offers comprehensive treatment during day treatment. Partial hospitalization participants return home in the evenings.
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Ideal for those who require structured treatment while still maintaining their daily responsibilities, our intensive outpatient program provides group therapy, individual therapy (counseling), and relapse prevention strategies.
- Dual Diagnosis Treatment. This program promotes holistic healing and long-term recovery by addressing both substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders.
If you or a loved one is struggling with drug abuse, take the courageous step of reaching out to NuLife Illinois. With their guidance and support, you can break free from the chains of substance misuse, reclaim your life, and rediscover the joy and fulfillment that await on the other side of recovery. Remember, you are not alone on this journey – NuLife Illinois is here to help you every step of the way.
Recognizing the signs of addiction is the first step toward a brighter future. With proper treatment and support, individuals can overcome substance misuse, improve their mental health, and embark on a journey of recovery with hope and determination. If you or someone you know is struggling with drug abuse, remember that seeking help at NuLife Behavioral Health in Buffalo Grove, IL is a courageous step toward a healthier, happier life.
References
https://www.cdc.gov/stopoverdose/polysubstance-use/index.html#
https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/genetics-epigenetics-addiction
