Millions of people of all ages and demographics suffer from the symptoms of unhealthy relationships with drugs or alcohol. Of those who meet the diagnostic criteria for a drug or alcohol use disorder, very few will ever seek help from a professional Michigan rehab program like Liberty House Recovery Center to put these challenges in the past. Despite ongoing education and progress towards better understanding the challenges individuals, families, and loved ones face with addiction, there remains a significant stigma and other challenges associated with seeking help.
Many worry about how the cost of rehab will affect their families. Still, others believe their harmful relationship with alcohol or drugs is not severe enough to warrant going to rehab. If you have a friend or loved one with a drug or alcohol addiction, you may wonder what you can do to get them the help they need to start their journey towards freedom from addiction. Below are a few ideas and signs and symptoms you can look for if you are concerned a loved one is abusing drugs.
What are the Signs a Loved One is Abusing Drugs?
When a loved one abuses drugs, the signs and symptoms that suggest they may need help will differ from those of anyone else. Several factors contribute to what substance addiction looks like from person to person. These can include the type of substance, how much they use, how often they use, and whether or not your loved one has a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder. This occurs when someone has both the symptoms of a substance use disorder and an underlying mental or medical health condition that could worsen their symptoms.
Although addiction is an individual challenge, there are signs that your loved one is abusing drugs that will look the same in many cases. These include physical, emotional, and behavioral changes. Often, the most easily noticed symptoms are physical changes. Common examples of the physical indications of addiction may include weight changes, sleeping problems, changes in hygiene habits, and changes in energy levels. Other signs of substance use such as sniffles, burns, track marks, and runny nose may also occur with certain substances.
Behavioral and emotional changes are other signs your loved one may be abusing drugs. For example, Their mood and behavior may change when intoxicated or experiencing unpleasant withdrawal symptoms because they have not used alcohol or drugs recently. They may also experience legal and financial problems, work problems, and peer and social group changes. Your loved one may become increasingly isolated, depressed, paranoid, and anxious. While not an exhaustive list, if you notice any of the above potential signs of addiction, contact us at Liberty House Recovery Center to learn more about how to help your loved one get into rehab.
How to Talk to Someone Suffering From Addiction?
If your loved one suffers from addiction, they may have difficulty acknowledging an unhealthy relationship with drugs or alcohol. As a loved one, it can be challenging to watch and wait for someone to acknowledge they need help to get well. As frustrating as it may be, it is crucial to be supportive and patient.
Everyone who begins a rehab program must do so when they are ready. If they are not, they are unlikely to fully engage in all of the benefits and support treatment offers. When discussing drugs or alcohol or suggesting reasons rehab may be beneficial, it is essential to avoid inflammatory or accusatory statements. Instead, ensure your loved one knows you are here to help when they are ready.
How to Get Someone Into Rehab
One option for helping your loved one get into rehab is to contact their primary care provider. A primary care doctor or another medical professional (such as a mental health provider) they trust can talk with them about the effects of addiction and the effects of ongoing substance abuse. A primary care provider can also help your loved one learn more about how addiction affects the emotional health of their loved ones.
If your loved one does not have a primary care provider, consider reaching out to a member of your admissions team here at Liberty House Recovery Center for suggestions and assistance in getting your loved one into rehab.
Finding Addiction Treatment in Michigan
If you are worried about your loved one’s relationship with drugs or alcohol and unsure where to start on the road to getting them the help they need, contact us at Liberty House Recovery Center today.
Our admissions team can provide information about the benefits of rehab and suggest things you can do to help your loved one begin their journey to sobriety with our residential rehab programs in Michigan.