It’s frightening to see a loved one, a family member, or a friend display the behaviors of an addict. Addiction happens after a person misuses a drug and continues abuse, building tolerance and ignoring the negative impacts on the mind and body. If you are concerned for another individual or are questioning your behaviors, learning the warning signs of addiction is essential and may prevent long-term health risks or a potential overdose.
Keep an Eye Out for Drug Addiction Behavior
Typical behaviors of addiction often include manipulation. An addict will say or do nearly anything to get their hands on more of the drug that is being abused. Guilt or shame becomes a tactic that an addict will use on loved ones, friends, or even strangers to purchase more drugs or convince others that they have not acquired a physical dependence.
Manipulation is a serious red flag. A person may lie or steal to get more of the drug, which can lead to forming a criminal record. From forging prescriptions to sudden acts of violence, depending on the severity, addict behaviors can seem scary and off-putting.
Other examples of addictive behaviors include:
- An addict expresses their desire to quit but continue substance abuse.
- They will experience adverse side effects but continue to use and not seek medical attention.
- An addict may begin to use other drugs, and these drug interactions can lead to more severe symptoms.
- When an addict is aware that they have lost control over their use, they are not communicating the problem.
A medically monitored detox helps addicts safely go through withdrawal symptoms and try therapeutic methods that promote long-term sobriety. It’s important to understand that addiction is not limited to substance abuse. An addict will use drugs to reward themselves, regardless of future consequences, because of the high or euphoric sensations that most drugs produce.
Most Common Drug Addictions
You may be surprised to hear what drugs are most common among addicts. In the United States, nicotine is the primary cause of addiction. The behavior of an addict can often look like multiple packs of cigarettes a day or adverse side effects from using synthetic nicotine vapes. Alcohol is another socially accepted drug that is well-known to cause cognitive decline, injury, and organ failure. Since alcohol is extremely popular, society has been desensitized to the negative impacts that follow excessive drinking.
Marijuana, painkillers, and benzos or tranquilizers are commonly abused drugs in America. Prescription drugs are often used to treat or reduce pain but are highly addictive. Opioids and benzos are regularly abused and lead to long-term health complications or overdose.
How to Help an Addict
After recognizing the behaviors of an addict, learning how to convince someone to go to rehab is the next step. First, before approaching an addict, make sure to come from a compassionate and supportive state. Skip lecturing and try to keep an open mind, so the user does not feel attacked during the conversation. Remember that it is essential to establish boundaries and encourage the person to take responsibility for their actions that are affecting others.
Do not give up, but you also do not want to experience the toxic behavior of an addict who refuses help for an extended period. Therefore, establishing boundaries is crucial. If a spouse or child is suffering from substance abuse, ask a professional for help.
Treatment at Our Stuart Rehabilitation Center
At Banyan Stuart rehab center, we are committed to providing patients with the resources and therapy they need to achieve their recovery goals. From prescription pill addiction treatment to alcohol or cocaine addiction, we have a program that will help you. We offer a clean and safe environment to undergo withdrawal symptoms and be guided through the treatment and recovery process.
Do not wait. Speak to a specialist at Banyan Detox Stuart by calling 888-280-4763 and asking about our residential drug treatment program to get started today!
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