Drug abuse and addiction have reached epidemic proportions in the United States, with millions of people abusing drugs every year. While the cycle of addiction can be broken, it takes a lot of personal commitment and dedication to play an active role in treatment.
A big part of breaking the addiction cycle is getting medical treatment early, ideally at the first signs of an addiction problem. By learning to recognize those symptoms, you can help a loved one who may be struggling with abuse or addiction issues.
A leading primary care practice in Greensboro, North Carolina, Triad Primary Care offers compassionate, patient-centered treatment for substance abuse and addiction, including medication-assisted therapy (MAT). In this post, our team reviews some of the signs and symptoms that can help you spot an addiction problem in a loved one.
Substance abuse and addiction affect every aspect of a person’s life, and the list of potential signs and symptoms is extensive. To identify a possible addiction problem, it’s important to consider the physical, emotional, and social effects that can occur.
Your loved one’s symptoms can vary depending on how addiction affects specific aspects of their life. The following list includes some of the most common signs and symptoms to look for:
Some symptoms may overlap with other medical problems, like depression or anxiety, making it even harder to spot an addiction problem.
What’s more, the symptoms of addiction can be very subtle, especially in its early stages. As a loved one, you’re in a unique position to recognize even small changes that seem out of character.
It’s also important to note that, even though your intentions are good, people who have substance abuse problems often don’t recognize that they have a problem — and they may not appreciate your concern.
Before approaching your loved one, it’s a good idea to schedule an office visit to discuss your concerns, so we can help you navigate what otherwise could be a very tense or difficult situation.
Addiction causes physical and psychological changes. When you try to quit, your body and mind rebel in some pretty strong ways. Specialized medical treatment helps your loved one overcome their addiction while avoiding serious complications, as well.
At Triad Primary Care, addiction treatment focuses on a combination of behavioral therapy and medications to prevent withdrawal symptoms while allowing your loved one to kick their addictive habit. This combination helps people learn new ways to cope while stabilizing their moods and gradually eliminating symptoms of physical dependence.
Every treatment plan is customized to each patient’s needs, including ongoing checkups and support aimed at helping every patient transition to their new healthier lifestyle. To learn more about addiction treatment at Triad Primary Care, call 336-800-8958 or book an appointment online today.
