Saturday, October 1, 2016

How To Watch Out For Substance Abuse Presentation

By Paul Graham


The number of people that are dependent upon both legal and illegal substances has been rising steadily for the past few decades. Abusing drugs, alcohol and a variety of other materials that lead to dependency is fast becoming the single biggest social and health dilemma the world has ever seen. Illegal drugs are freely available and despite their best efforts, law enforcement authorities are losing the battle against drug lords. Families must be aware of the substance abuse presentation signs if a loved one acts strangely.

It is extremely alarming to learn that more than two and a half million visits to emergency care facilities each year in the United States are directly related to overdoses. More people die of drug overdose than people perishing in road accidents. Thousands of children younger than fifteen start experimenting with dangerous substances every day. Half of them will continue their abusive behaviour and will become hopelessly addicted.

It would be sad enough if addicts only destroyed their own lives. Unfortunately, they often destroy the lives of those loved ones around them too. Their dependency make them extremely selfish. Their own needs are the only priorities in their lives. They do not care what damage and heart ache they cause to those that love them. They do not respond to efforts to help them.

Families need to look out for the signs. One early warning sign is when someone all of a sudden lose all interest in activities and sports that used to be important and enjoyable to them. This is often accompanied by a sudden change in personality. The one moment the person in question acts morosely, refuse to communicate and exhibit every sign of severe depression. The very next minute they become euphoric, chatty and engaging.

Many addicts stop caring about personal hygiene. In the majority of cases they lose weight rapidly and do not eat regularly. They are unable to sleep at night but can easily sleep all day long. When they wake up they are moody and abusive. They cannot remain still and have to move constantly. They often show clear signs of paranoia, believing that someone is out to get them.

Many addicts display self destructive behaviour. They are often paranoid and they become secretive. There eyes are regularly bloodshot and their noses run continuously. High anxiety levels are common. Abrupt vomiting, excessive sweating and breathing troubles are also common. They cannot focus on one thing and they tend to talk incessantly. These signs are very serious and clearly indicate addiction. Immediate intervention is most certainly indicated.

Sadly, it is very difficult to convince addicts that they need help. Enforced rehabilitation seldom result in long term success. Experts advise families to provide addicts with love and support. The addict needs to know that help is available when they need it. However, when the addict utterly disrupts the household and the lives of loved ones, it may be necessary to exhibit tough love and to force the addict into a rehabilitation program.

Addiction is an ugly and destructive disease. Everybody around the addict suffers. Help is available but addicts need to be motivated to change their lives. One thing is certain. Families that simply accept and submit to the damage caused by addicts are not doing anyone a favour, least of all the addict.




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