People from many areas of life are impacted by drug usage, which is a serious public health issue. It may result in severe health issues, money problems, and legal problems. For early detection and intervention, it is essential to be able to recognise the warning signs of drug abuse. We’ll talk about the typical physical, behavioural, and psychological indications of drug misuse in this blog, along with its causes and various treatments.
Physical warning signs of Drug Abuse
Drug abuse can have a significant impact on a person’s physical health. The physical warning signs of drug abuse may vary depending on the type of drug being used, the method of administration, and the individual’s overall health. Some of the common physical warning signs of drug abuse include:
- having red or glassy eyes
- constricted or dilated pupils
- alteration of appetite or loss of weight
- alterations in sleeping habits
- speech slurring or a lack of coordination
- shakes or tremors
- sloppy grooming and hygiene
- bruises, track marks, or injection marks
- nasal bleeding or mouth sores
- persistent cough or respiratory issues
Behavioural signs of Drug Abuse
Drug abuse can also have a significant impact on a person’s behaviour. Changes in social behaviours, professional performance, and interpersonal connections are some examples of the behavioural symptoms of drug misuse. Some of the common behavioural signs of drug abuse include:
- suspicious or covert behaviour
- avoiding eye contact or refraining from social interactions
- financial difficulties or theft
- issues with the law or law enforcement
- ignoring obligations or delivering subpar work
- personality changes or mood swings
- aggression, irritation, or agitation
- taking risks or getting into accidents
Psychological warning signs of Drug Abuse
Drug abuse can also affect a person’s mental health and emotional well-being. Drug misuse can cause psychological alterations in mood, perception, and cognition. Some of the common psychological warning signs of drug abuse include:
- Panic attacks, anxiety, or paranoia
- Moodiness or passivity
- Delusions or hallucinations
- lack of memory or confusion
- Suicidal ideas or actions
- A moody or unstable emotional state
- Ineffective decision-making or judgement
- Lack of interest or desire for activities
Causes of Drug Abuse
The causes of drug abuse are complex and multifaceted. Drug misuse is a complex issue that can be influenced by a variety of social, environmental, and genetic factors. Drug misuse has a number of common causes, including:
- Genetics: A person’s chance of acquiring drug misuse may rise due to specific hereditary variables. According to studies, those who have a history of drug usage in their families are more likely to get addicted to drugs themselves.
- Environmental factors:The environment a person lives in can influence how they come to abuse drugs. Drug addiction is more likely to develop when they are exposed to drug use, poverty, and trauma.
- Social factors: Social factors such as peer pressure, social acceptance of drug use, and cultural norms can also influence a person’s decision to use drugs.
Treatment of Drug Abuse
Drug misuse is frequently treated using a mix of behavioural therapy and medication-assisted treatment. The goal of behavioural therapy is to assist people in changing their attitudes, actions, and convictions around drug use. Therapy and medication are combined to address the symptoms of drug withdrawal and craving. Typical substance misuse treatment options include the following:
- Behavioural therapies: Studies have found that behavioural therapies for drug addiction include contingency management, motivational interviewing, and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT).
- Medication-assisted treatment: To lessen withdrawal symptoms and alcohol and narcotic cravings, drugs including methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone can be administered.
- Support groups: Programs like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can provide a beneficial atmosphere for persons in recovery.
- Inpatient rehabilitation: Inpatient rehabilitation programs provide intensive treatment in a residential setting, which can be beneficial for individuals with severe drug addiction.
When to see a doctor?
If you think that you or someone you care about is battling with drug misuse, it’s critical to get assistance as soon as you can. Early intervention can increase a patient’s chances of receiving quality care and making a full recovery. If you observe any of the following warning signals, you should think about visiting a doctor:
- Physical symptoms such as weight loss, chronic cough, or respiratory problems
- Behavioural changes such as withdrawal from social activities or neglecting responsibilities
- Psychological symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts
- Signs of a drug overdose, such as confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness
It’s critical to keep in mind that drug addiction is a chronic illness that calls for constant care and assistance. Drug addiction may be overcome, and with the proper care and support, people can do so and have productive lives.
The causes of drug abuse are complex and multifaceted, and treatment typically involves a combination of behavioural therapies and medication-assisted treatment. Drug addiction may be overcome, and with the proper care and support, people can do so and have productive lives.
How can Nasha Mukti Kendra help you with your drug addiction?
A drug rehabilitation facility that can aid those with drug addiction is called Nasha Mukti Kendra. We provide American Based Therapy, which involves Love & Care therapy to help our patients recover. We understand that treating addiction as a disease is crucial for successful recovery, and our goal is to create an atmosphere where the patient builds trust in the rehabilitation program. This trust is built by providing a safe and secure environment where patients feel comfortable sharing their experiences and emotions with our certified therapists.
At Nasha Mukti Kendra, we think that giving patients access to open areas for recreational activities like yoga and meditation is crucial for their overall health. These activities can help patients relax and focus their minds on their recovery. Our certified therapists provide one-on-one counselling sessions to help patients work through their emotions and develop coping strategies. To prevent patients from feeling confined to the centre, all holidays and celebrations are observed there. This approach helps patients to feel more connected to their culture and loved ones, even while undergoing treatment. With our comprehensive approach to rehabilitation, patients can develop the skills and tools necessary to live a drug-free life.
