{"id":130,"date":"2021-03-06T19:15:07","date_gmt":"2021-03-06T19:15:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ryanswings.org\/main\/?page_id=130"},"modified":"2021-03-06T20:45:43","modified_gmt":"2021-03-06T20:45:43","slug":"warning-signs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ryanswings.org\/main\/warning-signs\/","title":{"rendered":"Warning Signs"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Warning Signs<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Five myths about drug abuse and addiction<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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MYTH 1: Overcoming addiction is a simply a matter of willpower. You can stop using drugs if you really want to.<\/b>\u00a0Prolonged exposure to drugs alters the brain in ways that result in powerful cravings and a compulsion to use. These brain changes make it extremely difficult to quit by sheer force of will.

MYTH 2: Addiction is a disease; there\u2019s nothing you can do about it.<\/b> Most experts agree that addiction is a brain disease, but that doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re a helpless victim. The brain changes associated with addiction can be treated and reversed through therapy, medication, exercise, and other treatments.

MYTH 3: Addicts have to hit rock bottom before they can get better.<\/b> Recovery can begin at any point in the addiction process\u2014and the earlier, the better. The longer drug abuse continues, the stronger the addiction becomes and the harder it is to treat. Don\u2019t wait to intervene until the addict has lost it all.

MYTH 4: You can\u2019t force someone into treatment; they have to want help.<\/b> Treatment doesn\u2019t have to be voluntary to be successful. People who are pressured into treatment by their family, employer, or the legal system are just as likely to benefit as those who choose to enter treatment on their own. As they sober up and their thinking clears, many formerly resistant addicts decide they want to change.

MYTH 5: Treatment didn\u2019t work before, so there\u2019s no point trying again.<\/b>\u00a0Recovery from drug addiction is a long process that often involves setbacks. Relapse doesn\u2019t mean that treatment has failed or that you\u2019re a lost cause. Rather, it\u2019s a signal to get back on track, either by going back to treatment or adjusting the treatment approach.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Signs and symptoms of\ndrug abuse and drug addiction<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Although different drugs have different physical effects, the symptoms of addiction are similar. See if you recognize yourself in the following signs and symptoms of substance abuse and addiction. If so, consider talking to someone about your drug use.<\/div>
\u00a0<\/div>

Common signs and symptoms of drug abuse<\/h3>
  • You’re neglecting your responsibilities<\/b>\u00a0at school, work, or home (e.g. flunking classes, skipping work, neglecting your children) because of your drug use.<\/li>
  • You’re using drugs under dangerous conditions or taking risks while high<\/b>, such as driving while on drugs, using dirty needles, or having unprotected sex.<\/li>
  • Your drug use is getting you into legal trouble<\/b>, such as arrests for disorderly conduct, driving under the influence, or stealing to support a drug habit.<\/li>
  • Your drug use is causing problems in your relationships<\/b>, such as fights with your partner or family members, an unhappy boss, or the loss of old friends.<\/li><\/ul><\/div>

    Common signs and symptoms of drug addiction<\/h3>
    • You\u2019ve built up a drug tolerance.<\/b>\u00a0You need to use more of the drug to experience the same effects you used to attain with smaller amounts.<\/li>
    • You take drugs to avoid or relieve withdrawal symptoms.<\/b>\u00a0If you go too long without drugs, you experience symptoms such as nausea, restlessness, insomnia, depression, sweating, shaking, and anxiety.<\/li>
    • You\u2019ve lost control over your drug use.<\/b>\u00a0You often do drugs or use more than you planned, even though you told yourself you wouldn\u2019t. You may want to stop using, but you feel powerless.<\/li>
    • Your life revolves around drug use.<\/b>\u00a0You spend a lot of time using and thinking about drugs, figuring out how to get them, and recovering from the drug\u2019s effects.<\/li>
    • You\u2019ve abandoned activities you used to enjoy,<\/b>\u00a0such as hobbies, sports, and socializing, because of your drug use.<\/li>
    • You continue to use drugs, despite knowing it\u2019s hurting you.<\/b>\u00a0It\u2019s causing major problems in your life\u2014blackouts, infections, mood swings, depression, paranoia\u2014but you use anyway.<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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      Warning signs that a friend or\nfamily member is abusing drugs<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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      Drug abusers often try to conceal their symptoms and downplay their problem. If you\u2019re worried that a friend or family member might be abusing drugs, look for the following warning signs:<\/div>
      \u00a0<\/div>

      Physical warning signs of drug abuse<\/h3>
      • Bloodshot eyes, pupils larger or smaller than usual<\/li>
      • Changes in appetite or sleep patterns<\/li>
      • Sudden weight loss or weight gain<\/li>
      • Deterioration of physical appearance, personal grooming habits<\/li>
      • Unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing<\/li>
      • Tremors, slurred speech, or impaired coordination<\/li><\/ul><\/div>

        Behavioral signs of drug abuse<\/h3>
        • Drop in attendance and performance at work or school<\/li>
        • Unexplained need for money or financial problems; may borrow or steal to get it.<\/li>
        • Engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors<\/li>
        • Sudden change in friends, favorite hangouts, and hobbies<\/li>
        • Frequently getting into trouble (fights, accidents, illegal activities)<\/li><\/ul><\/div>

          Psychological warning signs of drug abuse<\/h3>
          • Unexplained change in personality or attitude<\/li>
          • Sudden mood swings, irritability, or angry outbursts<\/li>
          • Periods of unusual hyperactivity, agitation, or giddiness<\/li>
          • Lack of motivation; appears lethargic or \u201cspaced out\u201d<\/li>
          • Appears fearful, anxious, or paranoid, with no reason<\/li><\/ul><\/div>

            Warning signs of commonly abused drugs<\/h3>
            • Marijuana:<\/b>\u00a0Glassy, red eyes; loud talking, inappropriate laughter followed by sleepiness; loss of interest, motivation; weight gain or loss.<\/li>
            • Depressants (including Xanax, Valium, GHB):<\/b>\u00a0Contracted pupils; drunk-like; difficulty concentrating; clumsiness; poor judgment; slurred speech; sleepiness.<\/li>
            • Stimulants (including amphetamines, cocaine, crystal meth):<\/b>\u00a0Dilated pupils; hyperactivity; euphoria; irritability; anxiety; excessive talking followed by depression or excessive sleeping at odd times; may go long periods of time without eating or sleeping; weight loss; dry mouth and nose.<\/li>
            • Inhalants (glues, aerosols, vapors):<\/b>\u00a0Watery eyes; impaired vision, memory and thought; secretions from the nose or rashes around the nose and mouth; headaches and nausea; appearance of intoxication; drowsiness; poor muscle control; changes in appetite; anxiety; irritability; lots of cans\/aerosols in the trash.<\/li>
            • Hallucinogens (LSD, PCP):<\/b>\u00a0Dilated pupils; bizarre and irrational behavior including paranoia, aggression, hallucinations; mood swings; detachment from people; absorption with self or other objects, slurred speech; confusion.<\/li>
            • Heroin:<\/b>\u00a0Contracted pupils; no response of pupils to light; needle marks; sleeping at unusual times; sweating; vomiting; coughing, sniffling; twitching; loss of appetite.<\/li><\/ul><\/div>

              Warning signs of teen drug abuse<\/h3>

              While experimenting with drugs doesn\u2019t automatically lead to drug abuse, early use is a risk factor for developing more serious drug abuse and addiction. Risk of drug abuse also increases greatly during times of transition, such as changing schools, moving, or divorce. The challenge for parents is to distinguish between the normal, often volatile, ups and downs of the teen years and the red flags of substance abuse. These include:<\/p>

              • Having bloodshot eyes or dilated pupils; using eye drops to try to mask these signs<\/li>
              • Skipping class; declining grades; suddenly getting into trouble at school<\/li>
              • Missing money, valuables, or prescriptions<\/li>
              • Acting uncharacteristically isolated, withdrawn, angry, or depressed<\/li>
              • Dropping one group of friends for another; being secretive about the new peer group<\/li>
              • Loss of interest in old hobbies; lying about new interests and activities<\/li>
              • Demanding more privacy; locking doors; avoiding eye contact; sneaking around<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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                Warning Signs Five myths about drug abuse and addiction MYTH 1: Overcoming addiction is a simply a matter of willpower. You can stop using drugs if you really want to.\u00a0Prolonged exposure to drugs alters the brain in ways that result in powerful cravings and a compulsion to use. These brain changes make it extremely difficult […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ocean_post_layout":"","ocean_both_sidebars_style":"","ocean_both_sidebars_content_width":0,"ocean_both_sidebars_sidebars_width":0,"ocean_sidebar":"0","ocean_second_sidebar":"0","ocean_disable_margins":"enable","ocean_add_body_class":"","ocean_shortcode_before_top_bar":"","ocean_shortcode_after_top_bar":"","ocean_shortcode_before_header":"","ocean_shortcode_after_header":"","ocean_has_shortcode":"","ocean_shortcode_after_title":"","ocean_shortcode_before_footer_widgets":"","ocean_shortcode_after_footer_widgets":"","ocean_shortcode_before_footer_bottom":"","ocean_shortcode_after_footer_bottom":"","ocean_display_top_bar":"default","ocean_display_header":"default","ocean_header_style":"","ocean_center_header_left_menu":"0","ocean_custom_header_template":"0","ocean_custom_logo":0,"ocean_custom_retina_logo":0,"ocean_custom_logo_max_width":0,"ocean_custom_logo_tablet_max_width":0,"ocean_custom_logo_mobile_max_width":0,"ocean_custom_logo_max_height":0,"ocean_custom_logo_tablet_max_height":0,"ocean_custom_logo_mobile_max_height":0,"ocean_header_custom_menu":"0","ocean_menu_typo_font_family":"0","ocean_menu_typo_font_subset":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_size":0,"ocean_menu_typo_font_size_tablet":0,"ocean_menu_typo_font_size_mobile":0,"ocean_menu_typo_font_size_unit":"px","ocean_menu_typo_font_weight":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_weight_tablet":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_weight_mobile":"","ocean_menu_typo_transform":"","ocean_menu_typo_transform_tablet":"","ocean_menu_typo_transform_mobile":"","ocean_menu_typo_line_height":0,"ocean_menu_typo_line_height_tablet":0,"ocean_menu_typo_line_height_mobile":0,"ocean_menu_typo_line_height_unit":"","ocean_menu_typo_spacing":0,"ocean_menu_typo_spacing_tablet":0,"ocean_menu_typo_spacing_mobile":0,"ocean_menu_typo_spacing_unit":"","ocean_menu_link_color":"","ocean_menu_link_color_hover":"","ocean_menu_link_color_active":"","ocean_menu_link_background":"","ocean_menu_link_hover_background":"","ocean_menu_link_active_background":"","ocean_menu_social_links_bg":"","ocean_menu_social_hover_links_bg":"","ocean_menu_social_links_color":"","ocean_menu_social_hover_links_color":"","ocean_disable_title":"default","ocean_disable_heading":"default","ocean_post_title":"","ocean_post_subheading":"","ocean_post_title_style":"","ocean_post_title_background_color":"","ocean_post_title_background":0,"ocean_post_title_bg_image_position":"","ocean_post_title_bg_image_attachment":"","ocean_post_title_bg_image_repeat":"","ocean_post_title_bg_image_size":"","ocean_post_title_height":0,"ocean_post_title_bg_overlay":0.5,"ocean_post_title_bg_overlay_color":"","ocean_disable_breadcrumbs":"default","ocean_breadcrumbs_color":"","ocean_breadcrumbs_separator_color":"","ocean_breadcrumbs_links_color":"","ocean_breadcrumbs_links_hover_color":"","ocean_display_footer_widgets":"default","ocean_display_footer_bottom":"default","ocean_custom_footer_template":"0","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-130","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","entry"],"yoast_head":"\nWarning Signs - Ryan's Wings<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/ryanswings.org\/main\/warning-signs\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Warning Signs - Ryan's Wings\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Warning Signs Five myths about drug abuse and addiction MYTH 1: Overcoming addiction is a simply a matter of willpower. 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