Are you suspecting that your loved one has a substance abuse problem? Read about the warning signs, so that you can seek the necessary help soon.

1. 7 Signs That Your Loved One Has A
Substance Abuse Problem
BY ILLINOISDRUGREHAB.NET

2. Detect the Signs Early
Substance abuse is much more rampant than many of us believe. Do
you know someone who has this problem? It is important to be
familiar with the signs and symptoms. This will help you to detect
the problem early and seek help faster. Early detection can lead to
faster recovery.

3. Sign 1: Long Absences
Do you find that your loved one goes away
for long periods of time without any apparent
reason? Is he/she missing from most family
occasions? Does your loved one keep
disappearing to his/her room even when
others are sitting together and enjoying
themselves? These could be the first signs of
substance abuse.

4. Sign 2: Things Go Missing
Substance abuse needs money to buy the drugs or alcohol. Do you
notice money missing from your purse or wallet? Sometimes people
suffering from addiction steal valuable things from the house to pay
for satisfying their addiction. Do you find that jewelry or costly items
are missing from your house?

5. Sign 3: Loss of Energy
Addiction affects the brain. A person loses
interest in the activities that were once
important sources of pleasure or satisfaction.
Moreover, there is lack of motivation to do
anything creative or constructive. You may
also notice a deterioration of physical
appearance. If you notice that your loved one
has lost interest in personal grooming, this
could be a result of substance abuse.

6. Sign 4: Physical Symptoms
There are a wide range of physical signs of substance
abuse. This could be bloodshot eyes, changes in
appetite and/or sleep patterns, sudden weight gain or
weight loss, slurred speech and pupils becoming
larger or smaller than usual. If you suspect substance
abuse, be aware of the smells from your loved one’s
breath, body or clothing.

7. Sign 5: Deteriorating
Relationships
Due to the lack of interest, people suffering
from addiction often have relationship issues.
This is aggravated by their sudden mood swings
and feelings of anxiety and paranoia. They
experience unexplained changes in their
personality and attitude and may become
hyperactive or agitated without any apparent
reason.

8. Sign 6: Depression
Does your loved one seem depressed for long
periods of time? This could be because of substance
abuse. People affected by this often feel very guilty
and ashamed of their involvement and lose self
confidence. Moreover, they may not have anyone to
confide in. The net effect of all these factors can be
depression. You may notice your loved one feeling
extra tired and looking run down or sad most of the
time.

9. Sign 7: Missing Office or School
Frequently missing classes or absences from the office can indicate a
lack of interest in performing well. Missing work or school would also
result from the person being too intoxicated to wake up early
enough. If your loved one cannot hold onto a job or is receiving
several complaints from school teachers, this could be indicative of
substance abuse.

10. Reaction to Substance Abuse
When you discover that your loved one has a
substance abuse problem, it is natural to feel
anger and fear. You may blame yourself or feel
confused about what to do next. It is important
that you are supportive to your loved one
through this tough phase. Without your love and
support, it will become even more difficult for
your loved one to recover.

11. What You Can Do
GET HELP NOW by calling The River Source at 888-844-0814 and
enquire about our drug and alcohol addiction treatment plans
OR
visit our website at www.illinoisdrugrehab.net