The signals when a person you love is on drugs can be obvious or subtle and make you wonder if they are using drugs. The difference between drug experimentation and drug use that leads to addiction can also be difficult to discern. The National Institute on Drug Abuse does provide excellent guidelines that can help you spot the symptoms and signs of drug use and potential drug addiction. It is crucial to point out that not all drugs cause the same behaviors. To better understand what to look for if you suspect drug use, learn about the various drugs people use and what age range your loved one is in also matters.
The Signs of Drug Use and Addiction Can Be Different
Briefly, the most common drugs to younger people include club drugs, marijuana, and prescriptions stimulants like Adderall or Ritalin. However, any type of drug can affect anyone at any age. It is best to know the signs. NIDA provides the most apparent indicators that someone is using drugs. Like it is stated, different drugs cause different reactions.
The signs of drug use and addiction can vary depending on the person and the drug, but some common signs are impaired speech and motor coordination, bloodshot eyes or pupils that are larger or smaller than usual, changes in physical appearance or personal hygiene, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, sudden weight loss or weight gain, unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing. (NIDA)
How to Approach Someone Who Might Be On Drugs?
The most important thing that any family member or friend must do regardless of whether they know for sure or not if their loved one is using drugs is to support them emotionally. The worst thing anyone can do is to demand answers and interrogate their loved ones about drugs. It is not helpful to put your loved one on the spot because if they are struggling with drugs, a confrontation will delay their opportunity to feel secure in being honest. The goal is to have heartfelt communication about what is going on with them. Many people who use drugs know that they are struggling with something but are afraid to talk about it. So, if you are wondering how to tell if a person is on drugs, the best chance for an honest answer that won’t scare them off or force them to lie is to open up a more casual conversation. For example, asking them, “what have your experiences been like using drugs?” This question is non-confrontational and can hopefully let them relax and tell you the truth. Open-ended questions that do not convict a person, either way, are from a type of behavioral therapy known as motivational interviewing.
How to Help Someone on Drugs Dependence?
The only solution to helping someone who is using or is addicted to drugs is getting professional help at a drug treatment center, such as Evoke Wellness at Cohasset. Regardless of their level of drug use, they will benefit from the evidence-based forms of therapy that are the gold standard at quality rehab programs. The most beneficial first step to help a loved one is to access a treatment center or a substance use disorder counselor. Many people who are only experimenting or using drugs but are not addicted to them discover what they need help with during individual therapy sessions. One-on-one counseling allows someone to be open and honest about themselves. The types of individual therapy and drug use and addiction treatment programs that are available must also provide personalized treatment plans. Individualized treatment and counseling plans need to be specific to the drug used, the individual’s history of drug use, and emotional status. Evokes drug treatment centers provides personalized treatment planning and the following types of behavioral therapy:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
Overcome Drug Abuse at Evoke Wellness at Cohasset
The drug treatment programs that include these behavioral therapies located on the East coast and in Massachusetts include intensive inpatient, intensive outpatient, dual diagnosis, and long-term treatment. For immediate help on how to help your loved one or how to talk to them, call us now. Never delay your concerns about drug use or addiction. Drug use ends lives when someone is not helped. Let us get you or your loved one the proper support to help them become drug-free.
