Signs of Drug Use in Adults: What Families Need to Know

Drug addiction among adults is an issue that is on the rise in Florida and everyone can fall a victim to it. These early symptoms of drug use may be very hard to notice in a parent, coworker, friend, or a partner. Yet, it can prove life-saving to watch out for the warning signs and consult treatment.

Palm Coast Treatment Center is a Florida addiction treatment facility where we offer evidence-based policies and caring around addictive issues and their families so that we can recover. Here, we will be discussing the indicators of drug use in adults and what necessitates action to the next phase of recovery.

Understanding Drug Use in Adults

Adults may resort to drugs because of a number of reasons including situation in life causing stress, trauma, or mental health problems or influence of peers. In Florida, adults have seen increased rates of opioid use, abuse of prescription drugs, and the use of stimulants, which has resulted in high cases of drug addiction among the adults. The Florida Department of Health has reported that there is a continuous incidence of thousands of hospitalizations caused by drug overdoses annually in the state.

It is essential that the early signs of substance abuse can be identified in adults to ensure that physical, emotional, and psychological injuries are prevented in the long-term.

Physical Signs of Drug Use in Adults

Drugs have obvious impacts on the body. Physical symptoms of adult drug addiction Some of the most universal physical symptoms of adult drug addiction are:

• Sudden changes in weight

• Red or pupil- creepy eyes

• Uncleanliness or appearance

• Scars on limbs or gun marks on arms

• Nosebleed or runny nose (usually experienced with cocaine)

• Ridiculous body perfumes

• Tremor, shaking movements

• Problems with all or parts of sleep or hyper somnolence

When you spot one or more of the above symptoms in any one person you are close to, it is high time to think of completing a professional drug abuse assessment.

Behavioral Signs of Substance Abuse

Mood and behavior also shifts significantly as a result of substance use. Adults with the problem of drug use can exhibit:

• Separation of relatives and friends

• Social turnover

• Sneaky or cheating behavior

• Reduced performance at work or very many absences

• Financial problems or borrowing of money unexplained

• More irritability with or without paranoia or mood swings

• Legal problems like DUI or arrests

• Lack of interest in activities and obligations

They may occur slowly or abruptly, which makes recognition and discovery of the changes in behavior difficult without careful attention.

Psychological and Emotional Warning Signs

Drug abuse also accompanies mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. Watch for:

• Violent mood swings

• Increased periods of unexplained euphoria or agitation

• Demotivation or apathy

• Hopelessness and worthlessness

• Thoughts or behavior of suicide

At Palm Coast Treatment Center, we are experts in providing dual diagnosis treatment in Florida and offer dual diagnosis care both in mental routines and in substance use.

Long-Term Consequences of Ignoring the Signs

Failure to take note of the indications of adult abuse of drugs may lead to dire outcomes such as:

• Addiction and dependence

• Health issues (heart disease, liver damage, and others)

• Broken relationships

• Loss of a job, or the destruction of a fortune

• Death or overdose

The sooner you can get in and intervene, the more likely you are to have full recovery. It is never too early to get help, and this is no time to wait until it becomes too late.

How Palm Coast Treatment Center Can Help

Identifying that a person is using drugs is the first stage; obtaining assistance is the second. Our facilities provide a variety of customized addiction treatment services in Florida that include the following:

• Medical Detoxification Services

• Residential Treatment Programs

• Ambulatory Care (Intensive Outpatient programs-IOP)

• Treatment of Dual Diagnosis

• Aftercare Planning and Family Therapy

The gender mix, non-judgmental atmosphere, and high level of commitment of our licensed professionals to assist the adult population in overcoming their substance use and find the way to rebuild their lives are the cornerstone of our successful program.

Call for Help Today

You know that there is help out there. You do not need to respond to the drug use signs alone when it involves the person you love. With support and treatment, one can recover.

Call Palm Coast Treatment Center at (386) 284-4151 and talk to the admissions team immediately to begin the process of recovery.