Addiction
What Are the Signs of Having a Problem With Drugs?
Addiction can happen at any age, but it usually starts when a person is young. It’s the result of changes in the brain that can come from drug use. Addiction affects how people think and what they do. But what exactly are the signs?
First, it’s important to know that there is no “type” of person who becomes addicted. People can face addiction no matter where they’re from, what they look like, or how much money they have.
One important sign of addiction is that a person continues to use drugs even though it’s harming their life: physical health, performance at school or work, or relationships. They feel like they can’t stop using drugs, no matter what happens.
Other signs can include:
Hanging out with different friends than usual.
Not caring about their appearance.
Getting lower grades in school.
Missing classes or skipping school.
Losing interest in their favorite activities.
Getting in trouble in school or with the law.
Having different eating or sleeping habits.
Having more problems with family members and friends.
January 4, 2021
Factors Affecting Mental Illness & Addiction
Family history
Family and peer relationships
Trauma experience
Limited access to health care
Early exposure to illicit drugs & alcohol
Poverty
Poor health
Chronic pain
Lower educational level
Homelessness / Unsafe living environment
Unemployment
Exposure to criminal behavior
Emerging Trends in Substance Misuse:
Methamphetamine—In 2019, NSDUH data show that approximately 2 million people used methamphetamine in the past year. Approximately 1 million people had a methamphetamine use disorder, which was higher than the percentage in 2016, but similar to the percentages in 2015 and 2018. The National Institute on Drug Abuse Data shows that overdose death rates involving methamphetamine have quadrupled from 2011 to 2017. Frequent meth use is associated with mood disturbances, hallucinations, and paranoia.
Cocaine—In 2019, NSDUH data show an estimated 5.5 million people aged 12 or older were past users of cocaine, including about 778,000 users of crack. The CDC reports that overdose deaths involving have increased by one-third from 2016 to 2017. In the short term, cocaine use can result in increased blood pressure, restlessness, and irritability. In the long term, severe medical complications of cocaine use include heart attacks, seizures, and abdominal pain.
Kratom—In 2019, NSDUH data show that about 825,000 people had used Kratom in the past month. Kratom is a tropical plant that grows naturally in Southeast Asia with leaves that can have psychotropic effects by affecting opioid brain receptors. It is currently unregulated and has risk of abuse and dependence. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that health effects of Kratom can include nausea, itching, seizures, and hallucinations.
Resources:
More SAMHSA publications on substance use prevention and treatment
Parental Addiction
When a family member struggles with addiction, the whole family struggles. Children often think it’s their fault; they feel shame, embarrassment, guilt, and loneliness; they may feel invisible. It takes special effort to start important conversations and answer children’s questions. But parents, teachers, caregivers, and other caring adults can comfort children and guide them through difficult moments. With love and support, the family can cope with the challenges of addiction together.
https://sesamestreetincommunities.org/topics/parental-addiction/