Many people get sucked into drug use after trying them in a social setting. Because drugs like heroin and methamphetamine produce quick highs, it doesn’t take long for users to develop a physical dependency. People become consumed with the idea of getting their next fix, letting their responsibilities fall by the wayside. It’s painful and frustrating to watch a loved one waste away because of a physical dependency to drugs. Learn to recognize the physical signs of drug dependency to get help for yourself or someone you care about by calling Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida at 866.294.5306.
1. Drug Paraphernalia
People typically snort, inject, or smoke drugs to get them into their system. The presence of needles, used smoking pipes, and other instruments people use to take drugs is a huge red flag. If you or a loved one are to a point where drug paraphernalia is visible, then you’re losing control of when or where you use the substance. Other visible signs of a physical addiction dependence include track marks along your body, constant sniffling, and nose bleeds from snorting drugs.
2. Isolation From Friends and Family
Drug users often become secretive about what they’re doing out of shame or guilt. You may hide the severity of the problem, including pulling away from those who care about your well-being. It may start with skipping a few family events, then get to a point where you’re dodging phone calls and hiding away in your home to keep people from seeing how bad things have gotten. You may start staying away for long periods, causing people to worry about your safety and health.
3. Constantly Appearing Sick
Constant drug use causes physical damage to your body. Many illicit substances damage your immune system, making you more vulnerable to infections. Addiction dependence on various substances can leave you with long-term physical problems. You may notice yourself constantly getting sick. If you ingest drugs, you may start having issues with your stomach and intestines because of those substances eating away at those organs. Your heart and cardiovascular system may suffer damage, causing you to go into arrest and eventually die.
4. Stop Seeing to Personal Hygiene
Once you become consumed by drug use, you may start neglecting basic self-care. That includes neglecting to brush your teeth, shower, or change your clothes. Your disheveled appearance is usually a big warning sign to loved ones you’re struggling with a substance use disorder. Ongoing drug use and neglect of your dental hygiene can damage your teeth and gums to where your teeth rot and eventually fall out.
5. Withdrawal Symptoms Set In
If you run into trouble getting hold of your drug of choice, you may start experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Many drugs alter your brain chemistry, causing your mind and body to become dependent on the substances you ingest. When you stop taking drugs, you may start having physical withdrawal symptoms like:
- Shaking and trembling
- Pain in your abdomen
- The sensation of something crawling on your skin
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches and dizziness
If you’re going through withdrawal from drugs like benzodiazepines or alcohol, you can end up in physical danger from the symptoms. Most medical professionals recommend that people with severe drug addictions attend a detox center during the withdrawal process, so they receive supervision as they purge the toxins.
Seek Detox at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida
If you or someone you care about is having trouble overcoming drug addiction, you may benefit from treatment at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida. Our detox and addiction treatment programs can be essential to getting you well.
Reach out to Serenity House Detox & Recovery Center Florida by calling 866.294.5306, or contact us online.