It may be easy to spot signs of addiction in your teen. Parents have learned how to watch for signs of addiction for many decades, and they know what to look for. However, it is much more difficult to spot signs of drug addiction in your parents. How does one do this? Surprisingly, substance use disorder is on the rise among middle-aged and older Americans, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. And while the biggest offender is marijuana, prescription opioids and heroin are also to blame. If you suspect that you have an older relative who struggles with addiction, Ethan Crossing Recovery and our addiction treatment programs can help. Read on to learn more about how to spot the signs of addiction and what you should do if you believe a loved one is using drugs.
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Signs of Addiction in Older People
It is not easy to notice the signs of drug addiction in someone you do not see every day. However, if your parent or neighbor has a substance use disorder, you may notice little, odd occurrences. Then, when you step back and add them all up, it becomes clear that something is not right. The signs of addiction to look for include:
- Mood swings: Your loved one almost seems like a different person from day-to-day
- Irritability: They exhibit anger that is out of proportion to the incident that caused it
- Illness: Your loved one may seem sluggish, confused, or experience vomiting or diarrhea frequently
- Financial problems: Suddenly, Mom or Dad is having trouble paying bills and meeting obligations
- Withdrawing: The person may stop keeping in touch or begin drawing away
- Neglecting appearance: Your loved one may suddenly start looking disheveled, unshaven, or wear soiled clothes without concern
What to Do After Seeing Signs of Drug Addiction
If you notice the symptoms of addiction, gently explain your concerns to your loved one. Sometimes a suggestion is all it takes to start the healing journey. Intervention is another tactic that often helps shocks family members into accepting help. An intervention occurs when family members, friends, coworkers, and others gather in a safe place with the substance user. Make sure your loved one understands the negative impact that their addiction has on the lives of those who care for them, as well as the impact that it has on their own health.
Facilitators, individual therapists, or counselors who specialize in addiction often lead these interventions. It is important to remember that regardless of how badly you want your friend, parent, or grandparent to seek recovery, the decision ultimately belongs to them. Unfortunately, you cannot force someone to recover from drug or alcohol abuse. All you can do is be supportive and let them know how much you would like to see their lives improve.
Why Recovery Is So Important
If your loved one is abusing prescription opioid painkillers or another prescription drug, the consequences can be devastating. In 2017 alone, roughly 70,000 people died from a drug overdose in America, according to the CDC. Therefore, it is important to act when you first notice signs of addiction. Encourage your loved one to reach out to Ethan Crossing Recovery’s addiction treatment center in Springfield, OH. Our facility offers professional treatment that makes recovery attainable. We offer services such as:
Additionally, we offer an individual therapy program, peer support, a dual diagnosis treatment program, and behavioral counseling. Each of these programs is geared to help you or your loved one overcome addiction and live a life without drugs or alcohol. If you or your family need help, call Ethan Crossing Recovery at 937-646-7795 today. Tomorrow can become brighter than you imagine.