Drug Abuse, Addiction And Recovery: Signs, Risks and Treatment Plans

If you or know someone you love that may be dealing with drug abuse, this guide will be a lifesaver. Addiction is deadly and someone you know may be suffering at the moment. It is important to know the signs, risks, and treatment plans before it’s too late.

Once you are able to identify the issue, it is always a good idea to get them the help they need. There is a drug detox treatment in Long Island by Ascendant that will help people from beginning to end so that they’ll be able to leave their life of abuse behind and live for the future.

This guide is vital to someone else’s recovery. If you think it can’t be done, think again. Let’s move further ahead to discuss how to identify everything you need to know about drug abuse and the treatment plans needed for the recovery process.

Signs of drug abuse

There are numerous signs of drug abuse that are physical and mental. It’s important to know what these are so you can be able to pinpoint whether or not this is the case. Here are some things to look out for: 

■ Bloodshot eyes: Common in heroin addicts

■ Sudden loss of weight: This is common amongst those addicted to meth, ecstasy and cocaine.

■ Poor hygiene: Those addicted to drugs may not take the best care of themselves in terms of personal hygiene. This includes showering/bathing, brushing their teeth, or not performing simple hygienic tasks.

■ Complexion changes: Any acne, jaundice, or pale skin complexions can be due to continued drug use. Also, track marks, bruises, and scabs may also be present as well.

■ Poor sleep patterns: This can include sleeping for longer periods or even insomnia. Either way, your sleep patterns will not be ideal.

■ Ignoring simple responsibilities: This can include avoiding daily tasks that they would usually do.

■ Financial trouble: Because drugs are costly, this means that they’ll be facing financial difficulties. This may lead them to selling their personal items for more drugs (and also stealing items from other people).

■ Irritability: Mood swings can occur when addicted to drugs. A person’s temperament will be unpredictable.

■ More conflict with others: You may be in a mood where you could be agitated and may start arguments with people or become insubordinate at work.

■ Theft: As mentioned, theft can occur when a drug addict steals from another person in an attempt to sell the items for money that goes towards drugs.

Risks of Drug Abuse

The following risks are common amongst those who are abusing drugs:

■ Increased chance of suicides: Drug users will often deal with mental health issues such as depression. This can also lead to an increase of suicides that may occur during use or withdrawls

■ Risky sexual behavior: Sometimes, drug users will engage in behavior that will be risky. This includes sexual behavior. Often times, this can increase their chances of contracting sexually transmitted diseases.

■ Violent behavior: Drug addicts may get irritable to the point where they can get violent. They may have violent tendencies without explanation. They may be in a state that they are not aware of the fact that they are being violent and destructive.

Treatment Plan for Drug Abuse

Once you have confirmed that drug abuse has happened, it is important to stage an intervention as soon as possible. The earlier you are able to get this done, the better that person will have the chance to recover.

When performing an intervention, you’ll want to be generally concerned and empathetic with them. Also, shy away from using labels such as ‘addict’ or the like. And lastly, provide them with options rather than give them demands. 

It’s important to help them find the right rehabilitation center. This way, they have access to the help they need. There are medical detox options as well as therapeutic ones. 

It may be ideal to decide which is the best course of action. It can also depend on the severity of the drug addiction itself. More severe cases can lead to a no-brainer option such as medical (or in-patient treatment).

You’ll need to put together a treatment plan as directed by a doctor, therapist, or a counselor that specializes in drug abuse. You’ll want to follow the plan as consistently as possible. 

Here are some ideas to consider when you are undergoing recovery: 

■ Have regular therapy sessions: This includes 1 on 1 sessions with a counselor or a group therapy session. Either way, it’s important to talk about your struggles with drug abuse. This will help your therapist get you on the right path towards recovery. If you are struggling during the process, you’ll need a therapist that will be available whenever you need them.

■ Help others that need it: During the recovery process, it may be a good idea to help other people that may be on the same journey as you. They can be your accountability partner and you can check in with each other to see how you’re both doing. 

■ Set your goals: What kind of goals do you want to achieve in the short-term? What about the long-term? Write those down and make it your mission to reach them. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. 

■ Lay out a plan for a healthier lifestyle: What kind of habits do you want to adopt? What does your ideal healthy lifestyle look like? Visualize it and write it down so you can be able to look at it and inspire yourself to take action.

Final Thoughts 

Drug abuse is dangerous to relationships with the people around you, your health, and even your well-being. If you know someone who may be dealing with drug abuse, pay attention to the signs. If you are able to confirm it, intervene and make sure they get the help they need.

Not taking action can lead to fatal consequences for someone special in your life. Do whatever it takes for someone in your life to stop abusing drugs.

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