How To Watch Out For Substance Abuse Presentation

By Paul Graham


Staggering numbers of people are utterly addicted to one or more substances that are extremely dangerous to their health. Illegal drugs are freely available everywhere in the world and unscrupulous dealers do not care a whit about the incredible damage that their greed causes. It is not only illegal drugs that pose a problem. Prescription drugs are abused by millions of irresponsible people. Families need to look out for the signs of substance abuse presentation.

It is extremely alarming to learn that more than two and a half million visits to emergency care facilities each year in the United States are directly related to overdoses. More people die of drug overdose than people perishing in road accidents. Thousands of children younger than fifteen start experimenting with dangerous substances every day. Half of them will continue their abusive behaviour and will become hopelessly addicted.

It is a sad fact that drug abusers often have a devastating influence on the general happiness of their families. They can make life hell for their loved ones because their one and only priority is to have access to their drugs. They will steal and manipulate and they simply do not care that they cause immense heart ache to everyone around them. Families need to be alert and they need to recognize the signs of dependency.

One of the early warning signs is when someone suddenly lose interest in hobbies and activities that used to be important. At the same time, the individual concerned often exhibit bizarre behaviour, being withdrawn and moody the one moment only to be extremely happy and bright all of a sudden. These mood swings are unpredictable. In many cases the affected person become careless about personal grooming.

Rapid weight loss should immediately set the alarms ringing. Most addicts lose weight dramatically and they eat erratically. They struggle to maintain a sleeping pattern and often stay awake all night and sleep all day, claiming fatigue. They are restless and unable to concentrate, their bodies constantly moving, eyes shifting from one object to another.

Addicts often display tell tale physical signs. They are prone to incessant sweating. Their eyes are permanently red and dilated. They vomit all the time. Their noses run continuously. They often struggle to breathe and in some cases they develop a hacking cough. When these signs manifest themselves the indications are that the person concerned is already totally addicted and that they need help urgently.

It is not easy to help an addict. They seldom admit that they have a serious problem and that they need help. They often argue that they are on top of the situation and that they can stop any time they want. If their behaviour become disruptive to the point where they threaten the very safety and sanctity of the rest of the family it may be best to obtain an interdict and to force the addict into rehabilitation.

Addiction is an ugly and destructive disease. Everybody around the addict suffers. Help is available but addicts need to be motivated to change their lives. One thing is certain. Families that simply accept and submit to the damage caused by addicts are not doing anyone a favour, least of all the addict.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment