How to Recognize Drug Addiction Signs
Because drug use is a furtive activity, it isn’t always easy to pick up if your child or loved one is indulging in pot, speed, cocaine, prescription medication abuse or a different drug problem. Denial is always going to be the first response if you ask someone directly if they may have a drug issue.
The signs and symptoms of drug abuse vary depending on what the substance is that is being used. With pot, people may get very spaced out, giggle for no reason, get absorbed in the details of something completely and/or lose motivation for school related work and activities.
Parents may find that when their child is stoned from pot that he or she may be more agreeable and less argumentative because there is a go with the flow attitude. This does show that the problems we magnify aren’t as huge as they appear, but unfortunately with pot, people don’t really learn the tool of detachment to apply on their own.
Some common symptoms of drug abuse can be red eyes, mood changes, paranoia, trouble sleeping, depression when the drug wears off, less family participation and secrecy.
For someone involved with speed , cocaine or amphetamines you may see an increase in energy and a manic tendency where the person is actually more driven. This of course is in spurts.
Denial isn’t just on the side of the drug abuser, but often family and loved ones can’t consider that their child or partner is involved in drugs. Talk to them about their life to keep the lines of communication strong and help them from shutting down. Engage one of their closest friends to speak with them to see if they can get them to open up more. Use your care to help the person get into outpatient counseling to gain insight. You can also attend for yourself a group that uses the 12 step approach to address codependency issues you may have.