There’s an addiction epidemic in America, attacking cities like a disease that can’t be stopped, and LA is no exception. However, you can help your loved ones get over their condition with drug rehabilitation programs. The first step is knowing how to spot the signs that someone needs it and how to get them ready for their recovery. Let’s find out more.
1. Red Eyes
One of the most common signs that someone is using drugs is red pigmentation and slight dilation of their eyes. However, an addict can also develop this hue when they haven’t taken the drugs. It becomes part of the withdrawal symptoms, and there’s a high probability your loved one or friend will be searching for their drug of choice soon.
Schedule II drugs, such as codeine, methadone, and cocaine, are known for giving users red eyes and even itchiness. While these drugs can technically be used for medical purposes, they are highly addictive. Therefore, even a doctor’s prescription for pain can develop into abuse of these substances.
2. Strange Body Odor
One of the tell-tale signs that someone has been using hard drugs is their scent. While some problems can be attributed to poor hygiene, substances like meth and cocaine leave an odor behind. Your friend has a real problem if their bad odor can’t be covered by perfume or soap.
They need rehab almost immediately, or the next time they use drugs could be the last. Overdosing is one of the leading causes of unintentional deaths in the United States. In 2015, 52,404 died from overdoses, and opioid addiction was the main issue, as 20,101 of those deaths happened due to prescription pain pill abuse. Meanwhile, 12,990 people died because of heroin overdoses that same year.
3. Withdrawal Symptoms
Anyone unfamiliar with addiction might not be able to notice these symptoms specifically related to drug use. Sometimes, it just looks like someone is sick. They can have diarrhea, heavy sweating, twitching, hallucinations, and seizures. In this case, your friend must be rushed to the hospital to treat these issues.
Afterward, they can go to a rehabilitation center. Sometimes, this way is easier because the patient may be forced to stay off drugs if the doctors recommend holding them. It’s harsh, and drug addicts may not recover if it’s against their will, but it’s a start.
4. Physical Changes
Using drugs can actively change someone’s body. Addicts tend to lose weight while using because drugs are their priority. Some substances can suppress appetite, even if that’s not their primary function. A few drugs, like meth and cocaine, affect the skin, leaving rashes and slight discoloration after a while.
5. Getting Into Trouble
Other signs that a loved one needs help and drug rehab don’t manifest as physical symptoms. Instead, their personality and actions start changing because addicts need to get their next fix in some way. Using drugs is expensive and time-consuming, so your friend could’ve gotten fired for not going to work or going to the office under the influence.
They might start acting strangely, have bad tempers, lash out often, and more. In the most extreme cases, they commit crimes, which happen often in LA. The issue is that their actions could be considered felonies, which involve drugs and narcotics charges, arson, burglary, murder, manslaughter, sexual assault, and more.
6. Disregarding Their Relationships
One of the main issues that addicts face is that they only care about their addiction. Therefore, they disregard or break off their bonds with others, even those who only want to help. That’s why relatives and friends often give up on them. If you spot this sign in a loved one, don’t give up!
It’s the drugs that are driving loved ones to do or say these things, which is why it’s essential to recognize the signs that someone needs drug rehab. Finding substances in LA is easy, and they won’t recover unless a friend steps up and acts quickly.
