Recognising the Scary Signs of Alcohol and Drug Abuse

by ???Phillip Gateaux

Recognising The Scary Signs Of Alcohol and Drug Abuse

There’s plenty of scarey, frightening things in our world today. However, very few things are as scarey or frightening than drug and/or alcohol addiction. It has become a massive problem in todays society. A problem that seems to grow almost daily, with no signs of a let-up.

One of the main factors is that alcohol and drugs actually make those who use them feel good, I mean really good, and in times of depression and unemployment their use increses exponentially. Of course there comes a point in an addicts life where they need increasing quantities of whatever it is they are taking just to feel normal. Their life is completely taken over by their need for their favourite substance, and how to get the money to pay for it.

Very often drug/alcohol abusers are well aware that they do have a problem, and will often try to get off them. Unfortunately when the withdrawal symptoms kick in it’s an easy option to go back to using, rather than suffer the pain.

Most of the western world has now declared war on drugs particularly, but with the hypocracy of governments world-wide alcohol is regarded as socially acceptable. Mainly due to the vast revenues that it generates. It has probably got to the point now where realistically the whole drug/alcohol addiction problem is past controlling. We should probably look at addressing it on an individual basis, one at a time, rather than looking for a general panacea.

It really isn’t difficult to recognise the signs of addiction in an individual. You just need to know what it is you are looking for, and whilst these signs may individually be not too much to worry about, they could be caused by something else, when taken together they do give a pretty reliable indication that someone has a problem with drugs and/or alcohol. Here are a few to look out for:

Any unusual behaviour for the person involved. Badly bloodshot eyes. Problems with concentration at work or school Disappearing for extended periods. Shaking and tremors. Pallor and loss of weight. Money difficulties, often borrowing. Becoming reclusive and avoiding normal social contact. Talking to themselves, or generally not understandable at times.

Whilst none of these are conclusive, it is a good guide that a person has a problem. Noting these signs in a friend, colleague, or member of the family the best thing to do is confront them and try to get them to work towards recovery. This can be a thankless task, but if they can be made to realise what they are doing to themselves and those around them, progress can be made.

It’s not just the individual. That person can easily disrupt many others lives. It can, and does, ruin whole families. It is a serious problem which should not be ignored.

There are many avenues of help available these days, from straightforward counselling to residential rehabilitation centres. Whichever route is taken it is essential that help is found at the earliest opportunity. The addict actually admitting that they have a problem is the first (and a large) step. Addiction to drugs and alcohol can be overcome, but one step at a time. If each recovering addict helps just one other person we are on the right road.