It may start with a blatant lie that you know is not possibly true. Or, it could be that money is missing from your wallet…again. Or, maybe it’s another hushed phone conversation or a constantly locked door that has caused you to realize that something is definitely wrong.
“It’s hard to admit that a loved one may have a drug or alcohol problem even if many signs indicate that it must be true,” said Alan Flory, ReDiscover President and CEO. “As a parent or spouse, you desperately want to believe that if there was a drug problem, you’d know it right away. But, the truth is not every drug addict or alcoholic is incapacitated by their addiction. People with substance abuse issues can hold jobs, make payments on a car or house, go to school, and even maintain a family life. It’s even possible for an addict to keep his or her addiction a secret from a caring parent or a loving spouse.”
But, eventually the substance abuse issue begins causing problems.
ReDiscover Counselor Angie Lewis explained, “Sometimes an individual becomes entrenched in their drug or alcohol habit without realizing that a serious addiction problem is developing. Then, when life starts falling apart, the person may go to great lengths to deny that the use of drugs is the reason for the situation. Life’s problems may be blamed on other people or on other circumstances.”
Friends, co-workers, and family members want to believe the individual.
According to Flory, “It’s upsetting and hurtful to everyone involved for someone you care about to be caught in a substance abuse crisis. The initial reaction may be ‘it can’t happen here.’ But all types of people in Lee’s Summit abuse drugs. We see problems with youth, young adults, working people, and the elderly. The most frequent drugs abused in Lee’s Summit include alcohol, marijuana, prescription drug abuse, opiates, and meth.”
The Partnership for a Drug-Free America offers these warning signs: if you notice unexplained changes in physical appearance or behavior, it may be a sign of substance use – or it could be a sign of another problem that requires help and attention.
Physical Signs
- Change in sleeping patterns
- Bloodshot eyes
- Slurred or agitated speech
- Sudden or dramatic weight loss or gain
- Skin abrasions/bruises
- Neglected appearance/poor hygiene
- Sick more frequently
- Accidents or injuries
Behavioral Signs
- Hiding use; lying and covering up
- Sense that the person will “do anything” to use again regardless of consequences
- Loss of control or choice of use (drug-seeking behavior)
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Emotional instability
- Hyperactive or hyper-aggressive
- Depression
- Missing school or work
- Failure to fulfill responsibilities at school or work
- Complaints from teachers or co-workers
- Reports of intoxication at school or work
- Furtive or secretive behavior
- Avoiding eye contact
- Locked doors
- Going out every night
- Change in friends or peer group
- Change in clothing or appearance
- Unusual smells on clothing or breath
- Heavy use of over-the-counter preparations to reduce eye reddening, nasal irritation, or bad breath
- Hidden stashes of alcohol
- Prescription medicine missing
- Money missing
- Valuables missing
- Disappearances for long periods of time
- Running away
- Secretive phone calls
- Unusual containers or wrappers
Flory said, “Do not ignore a drug or alcohol problem and assume it will go away! It won’t. Parents, get help for your kids. Do not let your teens and pre-teens go to parties without close adult supervision present, and make sure alcohol is not available if youth are underage. People abusing drugs and alcohol rarely stop on their own. Problems usually get worse unless you intervene. A loved one’s addiction usually hurts others as well as affecting everyone’s mental and physical health.’
Help is available. ReDiscover is a local leader in drug prevention and drug recovery in the area. In fact, as of July, this nonprofit is preparing to help the community fight its drug problems by providing new local services to people in Lee’s Summit who have substance abuse issues. For more information, visitwww.rediscovermh.org.
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