Substance use disorder is a mental health condition in which one becomes addicted to drugs and alcohol. Signs of substance use disorder can be challenging to spot because many addicts isolate themselves to hide their condition. If you suspect a friend, family member, or coworker of having substance use disorder – reaching out and lending support could save their life.
Signs of Substance Use Disorder
Signs of substance use disorder can vary depending on the substance of choice and whether or not its drugs and/or alcohol. Aside from frequent intoxication and hangovers or minor withdrawals, signs of addiction include:
- Issues at work or school
- Loss of motivation
- Poor personal hygiene
- Financial trouble due to spending on substances
- Making poor decisions when under the influence
- Inability to participate in activities without drugs or alcohol
- Developing a high tolerance
- Inability to stop taking drugs or alcohol
- Lying or being deceitful about substance use & becoming defensive when questioned
These signs can manifest together or separately. It’s important to take note of any warning signs of substance use disorder, early intervention is key to successful outcomes.
What to Do When You Recognize Signs of Substance Use Disorder
When signs of substance use disorder become apparent, it’s important that you address your concerns from a place of care and compassion. The first reaction many addicts have when confronted is to become defensive.
Plan an intervention and gather loved ones and support members who are also concerned. Come prepared with talking points and examples of instances that have raised concerns for addiction. Consider inviting a professional interventionist or therapist that specializes in interventions and addiction treatment. Their neutral, professional perspective can help diffuse any hostile or stressful situations for a productive conversation,
Substance Use Disorder Treatment Timeline
When an individual decides to enter addiction treatment for substance use disorder, they will begin with detox. Depending on the substance of choice, detox and withdrawal can last about a week or two. Solution Based Treatment offers medically supervised detox, which is the safest method of recovery.
Once detox is complete and withdrawal symptoms are completely gone, clients can go into residential rehabilitation where they will continue to be monitored by medical professionals and a licensed care team.
When the client is ready to begin the transition back into work and their community, they will enter intensive outpatient treatment or a partial hospitalization program. The purpose of these programs is to help clients return to their routine while still getting the addiction treatment they need.
Get Help for Substance Use Disorder
If you or someone you know is exhibiting signs of substance use disorder, connect with the admissions team at Solution Based Treatment. We have a 24/7 admissions hotline to ensure everyone gets the support they need when they decide to ask for help. We offer comprehensive addiction treatment so that you can get support no matter where you’re at in your journey to sobriety.
About Solution Based Treatment
Solution Based Treatment is a national leader in detox and rehab programs. We offer inpatient medical detox, substance rehab, intensive outpatient programs, partial hospitalization programs, faith-based recovery, and sober living options. We maintain a 2:1 client to staff ratio to offer the best support possible to our patients within upscale living environments. At Solution Based Treatment, we support better living for brighter futures, all starting with our detox and rehab services. For more information visit our website at solutionbasedtreatment.com or give us a call at (833) 999-1941.