The behavioral signs of addiction can be hard to spot at first glance. Often, these signs are similar in presentation to other illnesses. Additionally, people who are addicted to drugs and alcohol go to great lengths to hide their substance abuse from others. While the symptoms and signs of addiction can be challenging to see at first, the behavioral signs of addiction are more obvious and easy to spot. Knowing the signs and symptoms of addiction will allow you to be more proactive in getting the help you or your loved one needs.
Are you seeing the behavioral signs of addiction in yourself, a family member, or someone you love? Call Nashville Treatment Solutions today and get the professional help you need at a Tennessee rehab center.
What are the Behavioral Signs of Addiction?
Much like the other signs of substance abuse, the behavioral signs of addiction can vary depending on the substance or substances being abused. There are numerous behavioral signs of addiction that are strong indicators that someone needs professional treatment. These can include the following:
- Wide and unpredictable mood swings
- Becomes agitated, confrontational, and irritated when confronted about their drug use
- Blackouts or memory loss
- Denial about drug use, or blaming others for use
- Rationalizing their problem drug use
Other additional signs and symptoms include a change in routine. This can include a sudden change in friends, what they wear, and a daily routine that involves getting money for substances, buying substances, and using those substances with others. Another huge sign of behavioral addiction is an increase in high-risk behavior such as drunk driving, driving too fast for conditions, or having unprotected sex.
It is important that if you recognize these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, you must find help as soon as possible. It is important to understand that addiction does not mean that you are a weak person who lacks willpower. Addiction is a complex disease, and if the signs and symptoms of addiction aren’t addressed proactively, your or your loved one’s addiction will worsen over time and become harder to treat.
What are the Signs of Drug Use?
While the behavioral signs of addiction are important to discuss, we need to place equal emphasis on the other signs of addiction. On the basic level, judging if someone may be addicted to drugs and alcohol can be discovered by what is commonly known as the Three C’s, which are as follows:
- Intense craving for something (i.e. drugs and alcohol) intensely
- Loss of control over its use
- Continued use despite consequences
Every drug will have unique symptoms and signs of addiction. However, there are common signs that all substances shares. For example, the physical signs of addiction can include the following:
- Bloodshot eyes and dilated or enlarged pupils
- Sudden and often drastic changes in sleep patterns and diet
- Poor hygiene and deteriorating physical appearance
- Runny nose
- Sudden weight loss or weight gain
- Tremors, slurred speech, or impaired coordination
- Unusual odors on breath, body, or clothing
Another sign of addiction is the constant need for money and are in a constant state of financial distress. In some cases, those addicted to drugs and alcohol resort to selling off items and stealing money and personal belongings to get the cash they need to buy drugs and alcohol.
Treat These Behavioral Aspects of Addiction in Tennessee
Once the behavioral signs of addiction become impossible to ignore, you must receive the care and support found at a reputable drug rehab. Finding the right rehab to fit your needs can be difficult. Many drug treatment programs in Tennessee claim their programs can help people break the cycle of addiction once and for all. While these facilities may have good programs and experienced staff, will their programs and services truly help you find lasting recovery?
Nashville Treatment Solutions is a premier outpatient treatment facility in Tennessee that features evidence-based programs and quality individualized services to fit your unique needs. Our experienced and compassionate staff will work with you every step of the way to give you the support you need to empower you to transform your life. Call us toll-free today and learn about our outpatient addiction programs.
