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Warning Signs/SYMPTOMS ⚠︎︎
Signs that
someone else
might have a drug addiction:
Aggression
Changes in attitude & personality
Dramatic changes in habits
Physical signs can include, but aren't limited to:
Bloodshot or red eyes
Dilated or constricted pupils
Poor physical condition
Abrupt weight changes
Potential signs of
a
substance
addiction:
You need more of something to feel the intended effect (i.e: painkillers).
You are spending large amounts of time thinking about the drug (how you can get more, how you'll feel better after, when you'll take it next).
You've lost interest in things that once interested you.
You hide the drug use or the effect it may have on you from others.
You borrow or steal money to pay for the drugs.
Risk Factors
Some may be at higher risk of substance abuse if they have experienced any of the following:
Environmental Factors: A chaotic household, abuse, peer influences, & more.
Other mental illnesses
Peer pressure
Extreme stress
Lack of sleep & fatigued
Use of drugs at a young age
Family history of addiction
Academic failure or lack of academic motivation
Alienation from peers and family
Pressure to excel in sports
How to Help
Helping someone struggling with substance abuse:
Do's
Be consistent with rules, expectations, promises, AND consequences.
Make sure to give encouragement! Give verbal and physical encouragement for accomplishments. Every milestone is important!
Gain education, so you know exactly how to help them.
Use assertive communication to find a compromise.
Set a healthy lifestyle example.
BE OPTIMISTIC & take care of your own wellness!
Don'ts:
Don't shame the person for not being able to maintain sobriety.
Don't speak negatively or accusingly: This can trigger feelings of shame and guilt.
Don't place the sole responsibility on them.
Remember that you can't fight the fight FOR them. You have to HELP them overcome it.
Help Resources
American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry:
CLICK HERE
Find a Recovery Center Near You:
CLICK HERE
The Hopeline:
CLICK HERE
SAMHSA National Helpline : 1-800-662- HELP (4357)
National Alliance on Mental Illness:
1-800-950-6264
CDC Division of Mental Health
: 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636)
More about Substance ABuse
What is Substance Abuse?
caron.org
World Health Organization:
who.int
National Institute of Mental Health:
nimh.nih.gov
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
cdc.gov
American Psychological Association
:
apa.org
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration
:
samhsa.gov
Home
PositiviTEA
From the Experts
De-stress Zone
Book Club
Be Aware
Suicide
>
Suicide Awareness Lesson Plan
General Anxiety Disorder
MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER
Eating Disorders
PTSD
Sexual Abuse
OCD
Substance Use Disorder
Bipolar Disorder
Get Involved
Donate
Volunteer
>
Operation Positivity
Post-It of Positivity