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| Addiction/Substance
Abuse |
Most addicts deny to themselves and to others that they
are addicted. Often they are convinced that they can stop their substance abuse
at will. As the addiction becomes more controlling and as they become more
aware of their dependence, addicts often begin to go to great lengths to
conceal their condition.
Family members can sometimes' contribute to
the denial of addiction by closing their eyes to what are often clear signals
that something is very wrong. Acknowledging the addiction of a close friend or
relative is a painful experience, but is the first step in any attempt to help
a drug user is recognizing the signs of possible addiction.
Here are
some questions to ask yourself if you suspect that someone you know may be
abusing drugs: |
- Are there any major changes in behavior? Is the
person more irritable than usual? Does he or she have "temper tantrums"? Is
there unusual indifference or apathy?
- Does the person want to be alone more than usual?
Does he or she spend inordinate amounts of time isolated from the rest of the
family?
- Does the person spend more time away from
home?
- Does the person have a great deal more or less
money than one would expect?
- Are there phone calls at odd hours?
- Are there major changes in friends?
- Is there a dramatic change of performance on the
job or at school?
- Is there money missing from the house?
- Has there been a change in energy levels:
listlessness, fatigue, etc.?
- Has there been any dramatic change in eating habits?
- Has the individual been making progress in his
life; is he getting closer or further away from his goals?
None of these signals, in isolation, would indicate
that anyone is addicted to drugs. However, if the answer to a number of these
questions is "yes," it would be wise to consider the possibility that drugs may
be part of the picture. If this is the case, the next step should certainly be
treatment of the drug addiction. |
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