Spotting Addiction in a Loved One
It might start off innocently enough. You and your friends all used to go out and have a few drinks. Or maybe even partake in other forms of drugs. You have moved away from the constant partying. But one of your friends seems stuck in it. Worse, it seems to be a bit of an obsession. Their job is suffering—or school. Maybe they got a DUI. Or they seem to be a bit defensive about their drug or alcohol use. So, you have begun to wonder: are they addicted? What exactly are the symptoms addiction?
You don’t want to be overprotective or overbearing, but you are right to be concerned. Addiction is deadly. It can cause relationship, financial, and legal issues. It destroys families, causes friendships to crumble, and tragically leads to death.
Often it takes someone from the outside to step in and ask the person with an addiction to get honest with themselves and understand the gravity of the situation. So if you wonder about someone in your life, and if they have a drug addiction, here are symptoms of addiction for some of the more common drugs available.
Symptoms of Fentanyl Addiction
Fentanyl is one of the most dangerous substances pouring through our streets today. This synthetic opioid has been responsible for a significant number of overdoses and deaths in recent years, with the CDC claiming that it is a leading cause of the drug overdose epidemic in the United States.
Detecting fentanyl use in a loved one and providing the aid they need is one of the only paths toward recovery. Often a fentanyl rehab is required for full recovery.
Here are some of the top signs of fentanyl use:
- Pale skin
- A notable change in their behavior, such as mood swings
- Fatigue
- Taking part in risky activities
- Loss of appetite
- Disinterest in activities one formerly found to be enjoyable
- Severe cravings for more of the drug
- Needing to use the drug more often or in larger doses to achieve the same high
- Swollen hands and feet
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Loss of consciousness
- Slowed breathing
Symptoms of Meth Addiction
Methamphetamine is a tremendously addictive substance that acts as a stimulant. In most cases, you will find people smoking this chemical substance through a pipe, but they may also inject it or snort it as a powder.
Some of the most common signs of meth use are:
- An increase in the number of sores or acne on their face
- Rotting teeth
- An obsessive amount of sweating.
- They often act paranoid
- Noticeable and sudden weight loss
- Skin sores
- Rapid eye movement
- Reduced appetite
- Agitation
- Burns, particularly on the lips or fingers
- Erratic sleeping patterns
Symptoms of Heroin Addiction
Much like fentanyl, heroin is a tremendously powerful opioid and one of the leading drivers of overdoses in the United States. In most cases, most heroin users inject the substance into their arms with a needle, but some may choose to smoke or snort it.
Heroin is highly addictive, and most people struggle to stop taking this substance on their own. If a loved one is showing any of these symptoms of addiction, then they may be recreationally using heroin:
- They consistently swing through a cycle of consciousness and semi-consciousness.
- A warm flush appears on their skin.
- They complain about heaviness in their limbs.
- Increased need for sleep
- Slurred speech
- Inability to maintain responsibilities
- Skin picking
- Engaging in risky behaviors
- Bursts of hyperactivity
- Wearing long sleeves or pants at all times
Symptoms of Cocaine Addiction
Cocaine is a popular stimulant that has its roots in the coca plant. Most cocaine users purchase this substance in a powdered form and take it through the nose, but you may also find it in a rocky and more solid variation, known as crack.
Cocaine is dangerous and can lead to various long-term effects, such as heart issues and seizures. For these reasons a cocaine rehab should be a priority for anyone with a cocaine addiction. Here are some of the most common ways to tell if someone is using cocaine:
- Sensitive to light
- Dilated pupils
- Higher body temperature and blood pressure
- Faster heartbeat
- Loss of appetite
- Erratic behavior
- Memory loss
Finding Help for Addiction
Substance use disorder is a disease that can affect anyone. If you suspect someone has an addiction to one of these substances, it is best to talk to them with understanding and compassion. They may already know they have a problem, but think they are hiding it. Often it takes the care of a loved one to help them see they are not alone and that recovery is a possibility.
If you are looking for an inpatient drug rehab in Arkansas, EagleCrest Recovery offers a residential treatment center with an expert team ready to help you or your loved one find lasting recovery.
