Substance abuse. Drug abuse. Alcohol abuse. All three are the same. It is regularly using a substance in the sense that it is already being abused. Such abuse can eventually lead to dependence or addiction. How can we possibly know that a person is already abusing substance? Extremely erratic, irregular behavior can be an indicator.
Nowadays, we hear the word “addiction” a little too often. The term is used to describe bad habits such as addiction to a TV show, a video game or a certain snack food. In truth, addiction is a serious problem because true addiction is a dangerous disease. It’s not just a bad habit because true addiction means being obsessed with a self-destructive substance or behavior. And addiction is where substance abuse eventually leads to.
Most of the time, the people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol do not have control over what they are doing especially when they are under the influence. Some can become wild while others remain calm. The real danger comes when their addictions have reached a point at which it is harmful. They may start hurting people, stealing from people they love and trying on more dangerous things.
It is not easy to know if a loved one has a substance abuse problem or a full-blown addiction. Real addicts are very skilled at hiding these things from you. Some of the things you should watch out are alienation, if his health is deteriorating, if his performance in school or work affected, if he starts making a lot of excuses and he starts to lie.
Recognizing these warning signs early on will greatly help a loved one. And just like with any other diseases, early detection can save his life. Talk to him and seek help if necessary. There are institutions like Advanced Health in New Jersey where he can start his rehabilitation and recovery process. Keep in mind, though, that the addict’s recovery depends entirely on him. Before taking him to a treatment center, talk to him first. You cannot force him to listen to a health professional or to start a recovery program if it’s against his will. If he is, that’s the time you take him to Advanced Health. The said treatment center is the first step towards recovery. Choose the center, avail of their case-to-case basis way of treating each patient, and go forward to the path to rehabilitation and recovery!
You should also stay involved with the process. Visit him as much as possible and join him whenever there are activities that involve families. Assure him that you are willing to be a part of his recovery process and that you are offering your full support in any way. Your love and support is the key to his quick recovery.