In the United States alone, 46% of the adult population say they know a family member or personal friend who has a drug problem, more common than most people imagine. Having a loved one addicted to drugs alters the whole dynamic of your family unit. In Tennessee, recovery experts who understand the clinical and emotional complexities of long-term healing are available to help you reset that dynamic.
Drug addictions are heavy burdens to bear, and cause life changing circumstances for both an individual and their loved ones. People with addiction may have fallen into it because of other associated disorders, like depression or other anxiety disorders. Once you begin identifying the early signs a loved one needs rehab don’t hesitate to take the first step toward intervention by reaching out to our Nashville clinical team for a specialized assessment.
Keep your hope for recovery alive by entering our Tennessee rehab center. We help you do what it takes to face your addiction and reclaim your lives. If you are wondering how to tell if someone smokes or uses substances in secret, try looking for subtle shifts in their behavior or clear physical changes. Addiction treatment for a loved one is a high priority, and most definitely finding a quality facility is a priority. Our Knoxville rehab location knows that the entire support system is involved in the healing process and will work with you to give your loved one the care they deserve.
Use this blog to learn a little more about how to recognize the signs of drug and alcohol abuse. It will help you know what to expect when a loved one is in need of rehab. Our luxury Nashville programs alleviate the anxiety surrounding the transition into a facility by offering higher standard of care. The calming environment with high-end rehab amenities will be restorative for your loved ones struggling with addiction. Contact us today to learn more and read through this post that outlines nine clear signs that your loved one needs urgent help.
1. Changes in Physical Appearance
Some physical signs that your loved one may be using drugs could be a sudden weight change, hygiene difficulties, or general states of dishevelment.
You may also notice them coming in with bloodshot eyes or pinpoint pupils when they’re actively in use. Over time, in the worst case scenario, sores on the skin, nasal congestion, and lethargic behavior are almost certain to occur.
Physical signs like these point to an underlying addiction. Once you see them, it’s time to take action. Start by reaching out to them to see if they’re willing to seek professional help.
2. Unexplained Loss of Interest in Things They Loved
It’s difficult to watch our loved ones lose interest in things they used to enjoy, things that made you happy because they were happy. Maybe they enjoyed writing or going for runs in the park and have suddenly decided to stop. Unfortunately, when they do stop engaging with their interests it may be a sign they have a drug problem.
Try to find out why they have lost interest if they suddenly stop participating in these activities. Avoiding answering you or giving no reasonable explanation will be an indicator to you that it may be due to drug use.
3. Erratic Mood Swings
If your loved one wakes up in a great mood and then suddenly snaps at you in rage, this is a potential sign that they are using drugs. Oftentimes, drug use leads to drastic shifts in mood or mental stability. So, if you are in their proximity, usually you will be the one to take the brunt of that change.
This can be hard to deal with as their friend or family because it causes you to have to manage your own reaction to a seemingly unwarranted emotional reaction. Try to stay calm and patient. Consider that their mood swings are not their fault and in fact may be being caused by an underlying addiction.
Try to talk to them if you can after their mood has calmed down. Then after opening that conversation, see if you can persuade them to join a drug rehab.
4. Private or Reclusive Behavior
Most people wouldn’t be open about their substance use even if they may not have accepted their addiction, and especially not in front of their loved ones. So inevitably hard use of drugs and alcohol will most often lead an individual to hiding or withdrawing from their loved ones and other people. They may become more reclusive and private.
The behavior may result from some sense of shame or embarrassment about their drug use, or they simply may not want you to see them using drug and comment about it. It could potentially be that they may be afraid of what you will think.
When you see they’re receding into themselves and worried they’ve developed a harmful habit, approach them in empathy. Giving someone your understanding lets them know that you are there for them and want to help. They may be more willing to get treatment.
5. A Sudden Change in Social Circles
Conversely, if your loved one doesn’t become reclusive and instead starts hanging out with a different crowd, this could also be an indicator that something has shifted in their habits of substance use.
Most often, they are using drugs with these new people and have slowly left other healthy relationships untended. They may be trying to find others who are of a similar mentality, using drugs as an escape or always seeking to get their fix. It gives them a sense of reassurance when they begin feeling that they’ve got a problem.
Addressing your loved one’s newfound relationships may be difficult, because there may not be any significant grounds to indicate they are using substances together, but it’s worth an ask. If your loved one does agree to seek help, you can organize for them to join a rehab facility.
6. Withdrawal Symptoms
When someone has a drug addiction and cannot use the substance they’ve been using, they may experience withdrawal symptoms after losing that regular influx. Withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable and sometimes even dangerous, so if they’re trying to quit or if they’ve been restricted from their source, consider reaching out for expert help.
Withdrawal symptom severity will depend on the drug that your loved one is addicted to. For instance, the withdrawal symptoms of alcohol may differ significantly from those of heroin or methamphetamines.
Learn to recognize these withdrawal symptoms and take the necessary action.
7. Substances or Drug Paraphernalia in Their Possession
Perhaps the surest sign that your loved one is using drugs is if you find the substances themselves or drug paraphernalia amongst their belongings. You may find some kind of device used during intake or anything from bottles of alcohol to cigarettes to illegal drugs.
Besides the drugs themselves, you may discover pipes, syringes, or other less recognizable drug paraphernalia. If there are apparent drugs and tools to use those drugs within your loved one’s possessions reach out to them to see if they need help.
They may be reluctant to admit that they have a problem, but it’s important to get them help.
8. Financial Problems
Drugs are expensive and using drugs regularly will have a clear and direct impact on someone’s financial situation. Your loved one may start to exhibit signs of financial problems stemming from their addiction.
Financial problems can become apparent to you by manifesting in a number of ways. They may start borrowing money from you more often than usual, or they may start selling personal belongings. In worst cases, they may even steal from you or others in order to get money to fund their use habits.
Financial problems are a clear sign it is time to sit down for a candid conversation with your loved one about their drug use. Try to offer help and support.
9. Declining Performance at Work or in School
Focusing entirely on drug addiction leads to significant strain on your mental awareness and health. Addictions have significant ramifications on an individual’s performance in their responsibilities like work or school. Your loved one may start to missing deadlines at work often, showing up late to obligations, or even completely stop showing.
Their grades may decline significantly if they’re still in school, or they may stop attending their club and sport activities. A rapid decline in their ability to appropriately meet the needs of their responsibilities is a clear indicator that their addiction is starting to take over their life.
Unless the problem is addressed, things only get worse. It’s the reason you need to take urgent action and enroll them in the best rehab around.
Know When to Talk to Tennessee Rehab Centers
Sometimes protecting a loved one addicted to drugs from the devastating effects of addiction means reaching out for help. It can be hard accepting the physical changes you are noticed or if you’re wondering how to tell if someone smokes illicit substances. Take action because you may just be making a life-saving choice. Apex Recovery proudly brings access to expert care to families across the Volunteer State. Our facilities are able to serve anyone from Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville. From a foundation-building 30-day rehab to long-term clinical support, our programs are designed to get to the heart of each individual addiction.
We understand that the logistics of seeking addiction treatment for a loved one can feel overwhelming, especially when considering the rehab program costs. We want to make premier care accessible to as many people as possible. So, we work extensively with Ambetter of Tennessee and can help you navigate benefits, whether you require Ambetter detox coverage, a flexible Ambetter outpatient program, or a luxury rehab that accepts Ambetter. Our team is here to explain what to expect when a loved one is in rehab to give you confidence before taking that first step.
If you see signs a loved one needs rehab, don’t wait for a crisis to occur. There are several focused pathways to healing for every situation. Specialized programs like Christian recovery tracks for spiritual guidance, care for expecting mothers recovering, and dedicated support for seniors seeking help can give you a community suited to your experience. There are even more elevated environments, like our luxury facility serving Nashville, that provide high-end rehab for loved ones in a private setting. Contact Apex Recovery today at (877) 881-2689 to speak with an admissions counselor and begin the journey toward lasting wellness.
