Substance Abuse Sign 1: Misusing Drug Prescriptions
If your loved one is misusing prescription drugs, it is a key sign of a potential substance abuse issue. Prescription drug misuse may include any of the following:
- Taking more than the prescribed dosage
- Purposely taking two or more prescriptions that are not appropriate to use together
- Losing the intended effect of the medicine
- Using the drugs beyond what is necessary
- Shorter periods between refills
- Experiencing withdrawal
- Purchasing other people’s prescriptions
- Taking unnecessary medicines
Substance Abuse Sign 2: Unwillingness to Share Personal Details with Others
An unwillingness to share personal details such as current prescriptions, hobbies and habits, travel itineraries, etc., could be a sign a person is attempting to conceal a substance abuse issue. If you are hiding prescriptions or not telling the truth about alcohol, tobacco, or drug use from your doctors or friends, you should examine whether you are suffering from an SUD.
3) Substance Abuse Sign 3: Sudden Change in Behavior
If your loved one is displaying sudden changes in behavior, it could be indicative of a substance abuse issue. Usual behavior may include:
- Staying out later than usual
- Refusal to leave home
- Venturing to strange places
- Alterations in mood
- Failure to keep appointments
- Difficulty maintaining relationships
4) Substance Abuse Sign 4: Changes in Sleep Patterns
If you are having trouble falling asleep, waking up, insomnia, sleep apnea, or other changes in sleep patterns, it may indicate that you are suffering from an SUD. If you wake up to the feeling that you need a particular substance to feel better, or to sleep, you should consider seeking help from a medical professional.
5) Substance Abuse Sign 5: Financial Trouble
If your loved one is suddenly experiencing financial trouble, or displaying erratic spending behaviors, it may be a sign of substance addiction. If you would rather spend your money on drugs and alcohol, even if it means forfeiting your ability to pay for necessities, it is time to seek professional help. Our practice has seen significant success helping people beat substance abuse disorders through neurofeedback therapies.