Warning Signs, Symptoms, And How Substance Abuse Develops

Substance use disorder prevents people from all socioeconomic statuses and functions of life. No matter why an individual starts getting addicted to substances, whether as prescribed or recreationally, patterns of increased use, tolerance, physical reliance, and finally, substance abuse may grow – often before the person even understands it.

Do you know anyone who has the same issue? Explore the warning signs and symptoms and understand how substance abuse issues grow.

Physical Signs of Substance Abuse

Some of the noticeable physical changes in an individual due to substance abuse include:

• Sleeping disorder

• Skin changes

• Dental problems

• Changes in hygiene

• Excessive weight changes

• Constricted or dilated pupils

• Glazed or bloodshot eyes.

These warning signs or symptoms will vary depending on the substance used.

Behavioral Signs of Substance Abuse

Behavioral changes related to substance abuse problems are the following:

• Engagement in criminal activities

• Sudden changes in priorities or habits

• Dramatic changes in social activities

• Depression

• Lethargy

• Changes in personality

• Increased irritability or aggression.

Knowing how to identify the behavioral or physical signs of substance abuse can help you prevent the issue from developing further.

How Substance Abuse Develops

Here are some ways how substance abuse grows:

1. Substance abuse may begin as a way to connect socially. Sometimes people are forced to consume substances for the first time in social events with friends and family members to fit into the group.

2. If a substance meets your requirement, you may start depending on it more. You may take illegal substances for energizing or calming yourself or increasing your self-esteem. You may begin abusing prescribed drugs to reduce pain, boost concentration at work, or deal with panic attacks.

3. As substance abuse influences, you may be regularly late for work, begin ignoring social duties, or fail to meet your job responsibilities. Your capacity to prevent using is compromised eventually. What started as a voluntary option changes into a mental or physical requirement.

4. Issues can often grow, as your substance use slowly increases with time. For instance, taking painkillers for relieving backache or ecstasy at a rave, smoking with friends over the weekend, can turn your occasional substance use into regular use.

5. Substance abuse can take your life gradually, stopping intellectual and social growth.

Final Step: Getting Help for Substance Abuse

Substance use disorder is a tricky issue that impacts all aspects of a person’s life. Overcoming this addiction needs support and changes to the person’s lifestyle. With proper support and the right treatment, you can prevent the destructive impacts of substance use and reacquire control of your life. You need to identify and accept your problem first, listen to your caregivers to understand the bad impacts of substance use on your life.

You can recover but never try it on your own. Choose a rehab like Refresh Psychiatry, depend on our therapies, and contact us as soon as you feel the need. Taking an immediate treatment approach is essential!