By now, it’s evident that addiction is a global pandemic even amid the global health crisis ravaging our planet. The numbers were steadily increasing, even pre-pandemic, but no one can deny that the problem is even bigger now more than ever. This was expected considering the economic effects of the current health crisis that has left many with troubled minds.
Many people have resorted to drug use as a stress-coping mechanism, and those who were already addicted are using them even more.
In fact, recent reports indicated an increase in heroin, cocaine, non-prescription fentanyl, and methamphetamine abuse during the pandemic. Also noted in the report was an increase in suspected drug overdoses.
Studies have also proven the association between stress, drug use, and addiction, and so you should not look down upon those who suffer from this monster. They need help, and you may be the only one able to help them if you keep in mind the tips discussed below.
But first, let’s look at the common symptoms of addiction that you need to look out for before confronting your friend or family member who is addicted to drugs.
Behavioral symptoms of addiction include:
- Irritability and mood swings
- Lack of motivation and interest in important things
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Poor hygiene and lack of concern for it
- Risky behaviors such as driving while intoxicated
- Poor performance at school or work
- Preoccupied with drug use activities.
Physical symptoms of addiction include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sleeping problems
- Impaired coordination
- Excessive sweating
- Bloodshot eyes
- Blurred speech
- Drug use items such as syringes, pipes, spoons, etc.
Social symptoms of addiction include:
- Issues with law enforcement
- Financial problems
- Bad friends (Peers who use drugs)
So, how can you help?
#1. Offer love and support
Just because your friend or relative is addicted to drugs doesn’t mean they are deemed to languish in misery. If you don’t offer love and support, you’ll only be condemning them to the eternal world of addiction. Show love by sympathizing with their situation. Show them that you understand why they chose to live that life. If you can sort out the issues, they find stressful, like money issues, help out. But do it in a way that supports their eventual recovery. For instance, promise to help some more if you see them making an effort towards addiction recovery.
#2. Group intervention may work well
Most addicted people are reluctant to seek assistance, thus needing persuasion through intervention. You can notify concerned family members, friends, and colleagues to come together and confront the individual about their drug use habit. However, as you do this, take care not to criticize the individual. Sympathize with them and come together to offer assistance.
#3. Recommend addiction treatment
Addiction is a disease, and in many cases, one has to undergo mental treatment to come out of it. Today, many addiction recovery centers such as https://www.infiniterecovery.com/ and many others offer assistance to individuals willing to start the journey to recovery. Even long-term and luxury addiction recovery centers exist for those who would want to live in comfort while they confront their addiction problem.
These facilities implement comprehensive, holistic treatment programs that are custom-tailored to each individual’s needs, and many of them have also implemented the Covid-19 guidelines to keep patients safe as they undergo addiction therapy. Employees are also eligible for these programs and are protected by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Before you discuss seeking treatment, take your time and do some research because the type of addiction treatment required depends on the drug being abused and the addiction level. Learn what there is to know about the program and make plans for your friend to begin therapy right away.
