3 Signs Your Family Member May Be Addicted To Drugs
If your family member has started to miss work and appointments or exhibits secretive or irrational behavior, you may wonder whether they have started using drugs. If so, look for the following signs that your loved one may be addicted to drugs.
Rapid Changes in Their Appearance
One of the most noticeable signs that your family member has a drug addiction is a rapid change in their appearance. Whether from appetite suppression or forgetting to eat, they may start losing weight very quickly. You may even notice the shedding of pounds each time you see them.
Another change in their appearance you may notice is the presence of bruises or sores on their arms. These could be caused by either shooting up drugs or falling over due to decreased mobility while they are high.
If you point out these marks on their arms, and they start wearing long sleeves to cover them up the next time you see them, they may be trying to hide their drug use.
Sudden Loss of Interest in Previously Enjoyed Activities
If you loved one was always highly active in a sports activity or enjoyed attending social functions, you may start to notice that they are suddenly not interested anymore. Even if they try to participate, they may seem sluggish or distracted, either because they are high or thinking about getting that way.
However, a sudden loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities could also be a sign of depression or even feeling ill. Try to ask them if they are feeling okay, but do not push the issue. If they do not want to talk about what is troubling them, trying to force the information out of them could backfire on you.
Swift Mood Swings When Asked Certain Questions
Whether you are simply asking your loved one how they are feeling or asking them where they were last night when they were supposed to meet you, you may find that they shift moods swiftly. They may become angry or defensive because they think you are confronting them about their drug problem.
Whenever you approach them with questions, do so gently, and learn to read their moods. Because drugs can change their personality, it is always a possibility that they may become violent, so tread lightly and learn to back off if it seems as though they are becoming increasingly agitated.
If you suspect that your family member has become addicted to drugs, you may be uncertain as to where to go from here. If so, contact a representative from an addiction treatment center for guidance on how to approach your loved one, as well as discuss your options for getting them help with their drug problem.
