5 Signs of Drug Abuse Parents All Parents Should Know

There’s often nothing scarier from a parent’s point of view than finding out that your child is addicted to drugs. Many parents are completely blindsided when they find out, and some, tragically, find out too late to help their child. There are signs that may indicate whether or not a child is a drug abuser, which is a slippery slope that leads to drug dependency and addiction. Parents should know these signs, and take action if they suspect their child is abusing drugs by talking to them, or seeking help at inpatientrehab centers. While some drug usages are more obvious to spot like marijuana and alcohol, there are other drugs that are tougher to pin down, such as pills and prescription medications, and those are statistically the most dangerous. Here are the signs to look for:

1) Physical signs – Physical symptoms can include, bloodshot eyes, or pupils that are bigger or smaller than normal, increase in nosebleeds, and a sudden decline in hygiene or physical appearance and grooming.

2) Health signs – Signs that affect the child’s health can include sudden fluctuations in weight, a significant change in appetite or sleeping patterns, impaired motor functions, shakes and tremors, and injuries that appear without an explanation

3) Behavioral signs – Changes in behavior that can allude to drug abuse include a sharp decline in school performance and attendance, loss of interest in hobbies and other activities, teacher complaints, acting withdrawn, isolating themselves, being secretive, and seismic changes in relationships or friend circles.

4) Psychological signs – Some psychological changes that may be attributed to drub abuse include confusing changes in personality and attitude, mood swings, irritability, bursts of anger, laughing for no reason, sudden increases in energy or hyperactivity, inability to stay focused, looking into space or staring at nothing, and unwarranted paranoia, fear and anxiety.

5) How to Take Action – The first step is to talk to your children about drugs. Take pre-emptive action and tell them about the different kinds of drugs and how they can be harmful so that they know what to expect. If you suspect your child is already addicted to drugs, you can ask them about it, and talk about an inpatient rehab center if they express an interest in getting well. Chances are you never foresaw your child going down this path, but the chances are they also never foresaw themselves going down this path either. Even if they do not ask for help, they will need it in order to avoid sliding even father into worse habits. 

To find out more about inpatient rehab centers, visit www.GRMedCenter.com today.

How to Cope When Your Partner Is In Rehab

Having a loved one in rehab is an extremely trying and stressful experience that only those who have gone through it can fully comprehend. It can be especially difficult when the one going through rehab is your partner, or significant other. There are a lot of questions and concerns about the process, and the effect it may have on your loved one, and those can be mixed with a lot of misconceptions of what rehab is like based on TV and movie portrayals. There is also relief that your loved one will be getting the care they need, but there can also be guilt about being away from them, and other things. It is important to know the ins and outs of comprehensive rehabilitation, so you know what you expect, what your partner is going through, and most importantly, how you can help.

There are 3 things you need to remember, and remind yourself as often as possible. One is that your loved one is in a safe place. They are going to be safer, and better off for having been there. Try to relax, and remember to breathe anytime you get overwhelmed with feelings of agitation or worry. Medical professionals are going to help your significant other where you could not, and should not. Additionally, they are in a place with support from others who are going through the same thing, something you cannot provide, and something they desperately need.

Remember to not take things personally. If you do not hear from your loved one, it can be due to confidentiality and federal privacy laws. Also, any feelings of guilt that surface may be a signal that you yourself may benefit from counseling or therapy. Take care of yourself, and let the rehab facility take care of your loved one for now. Getting help for yourself can end up helping your loved one as well.

Learn as much as you can about the addiction that your loved one is struggling with, and attend any and all classes or programs that the facility might provide for family members. The more you know, the more you can help your loved one by being there for them, and understand what they are going through.

To learn more about comprehensive rehabilitation, click here.