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Identifying if a loved one is struggling with addiction can be somewhat tricky. However, changes in your loved one’s behaviour and physical appearance will likely leave you searching the internet for answers and advice.
If your loved one’s behaviour and appearance have significantly changed over the last few weeks or months, and you believe that they are struggling with addiction, at Rehab Clinics Group, we are here to support you.
We have delved into identifying if a loved one is struggling with addiction and provided our tips on what you should do if an addiction is present here.
Tip Number One – Uncover The Signs and Symptoms Associated with Addictions
Before approaching your loved one about changes in their behaviour, we would highly advise that you first consider the signs and symptoms associated with addictions. In doing so, identifying if a loved one is struggling with addiction may be slightly easier.
When an addiction is present, the individual suffering will experience physical, psychological and behavioural symptoms. Below, we have outlined a number of the signs that you may observe if an addiction is present.
Physical Signs That Your Loved One Is Struggling with Addiction;
- Unexplained injuries
- Slurred speech
- Weight loss
- Poor hygiene
- Red eyes
- Changes in complexion
- Headaches
- Nausea
Psychological Signs That Your Loved One Is Struggling with Addiction;
- Memory loss
- Paranoia
- Increased anxiety
- Struggling with mental health disorders such as depression
- Suffering from insomnia
- Frequent mood swings
- Becoming increasingly irritable
Behavioural Signs That Your Loved One Is Struggling with Addiction;
- Becoming extremely secretive
- Frequently asking to borrow money
- Avoiding specific locations or people
- Increased isolation
- Neglecting hobbies that they once enjoyed
- Calling in sick to work
Tip Number Two – Seek Guidance From A Drug and Alcohol Rehab
As you come to terms with the realisation that your loved one is struggling with addiction, you may find that you have several unanswered questions regarding the support that is available.
With this in mind, we would encourage you to seek guidance and advice from a drug and alcohol rehab.
As you make contact with a drug and alcohol rehab, you will have the opportunity to discuss your observations and uncover whether an addiction is indeed present.
Tip Number Three – Gain an Understanding Of The Support Available For Those Struggling With Addiction
Contacting a drug and alcohol rehab will additionally provide you with the opportunity to gain an understanding of the support that is available for your loved one.
Irrespective of the addiction, rehab is typically the first port of call. Attending a rehab will enable your loved one to come face to face with their addiction and learn how to overcome their struggles.
Should you find yourself searching for answers, it may be beneficial to know that across our website, we have a wealth of information readily available that discusses addiction treatment, the types of addictions that people struggle with, how different addictions impact an individual and the short and long-term ramifications that addictions have.
Tip Number Four – Talk To Your Loved One
Having found out more about the support that is available to your loved one, our next tip would be to talk to your loved one about the signs and symptoms you have observed in order to identify if they are struggling with addiction.
Your loved one may be aware that they are struggling with addiction; however, the lack of knowledge surrounding the support available to them may have prevented them from seeking for help. They may also worry that confiding in you will harm your relationship.
When the time is right for you to approach your loved one, we would encourage you to show empathy, take the time to listen to them as they share their thoughts and feelings with you and ensure that they know you are there for them.
What To Do If Your Loved One Is Struggling With Addiction?
As you take advantage of the tips provided above, you will have the opportunity to identify if a loved one is struggling with addiction. If an addiction is present, we have outlined what you should, and should not do below.
Encourage Them To Take Advantage Of The Help Available
As and when your loved one confides in you, you must encourage them to take advantage of the help that is available to them.
While your loved one may find the prospect of asking for help or going to rehab daunting, if they are to make a long-term recovery and overcome their addiction, rehab is in their best interest.
Do Not Attempt to Treat Your Loved One Yourself
Although we understand that you will want to do everything in your power to help and support your loved one overcome their addiction, you mustn’t attempt to treat your loved one yourself.
While you may think that removing substances from your home will help diminish their addiction, this will see them experience an adverse amount of side effects as they withdraw from the substance they have become addicted to.
In turn, they will be more prone to relapsing, which could ultimately cause their addiction and symptoms to intensify.
Refer Your Loved One For Addiction Treatment
If your loved one is in denial, they will not believe that they are struggling with an addiction, regardless of the symptoms they may experience, nor will they think that they need to seek help.
In the unfortunate circumstance that your support is rejected, we would recommend referring your loved one for addiction treatment.
Although you may not want to have to resort to this, it truly is in their best interest to obtain the support they need to overcome their addiction.
Take Advantage Of The Addiction Recovery Support Provided By Rehab Clinics Group
If you have attempted to take advantage of the tips provided above but feel as though you would benefit from additional support and guidance, please do not hesitate to take advantage of the addiction recovery support we provide.
