Substance Use Disorder is not a life sentence.

Your loved one can recover from a Substance Use Disorder. Recovery from SUD is possible when someone commits to finding new ways to handle cravings, problems, or impulses. Having support from family and friends can make a huge difference in their recovery!

Ladies

Continued Treatment Works.

It’s very important that your loved one stays consistent with treatment. Lots of things can keep someone from treatment like trying a new drug or peer pressure from the wrong crowd. Encourage your loved one that consistent treatment is the best choice for them.

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The Cycle
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Treatment is confidential – your loved one is protected.

There are laws that protect the privacy of individuals receiving substance treatment. Assure your friend that their employer, friends, and family are on their team and ready to see them succeed.

Relapsing is not a sign of failure.

Relapse may happen to people who use drugs and can happen even years after not taking the substance. More than anything, relapse may be a sign that more treatment or a different method is needed. A routine review of one’s treatment plan may be necessary to determine if another method could be more effective.

Symptoms – Recognizing the signs that you or a loved one may be struggling

Drug addiction symptoms or behaviors include, among others:

  • Compulsion Feeling that you have to use the drug regularly — daily or even several times a day

  • Cravings Having intense urges for the drug that block out any other thoughts

  • Tolerance Over time, needing more of the drug to get the same effect

  • Increased use Taking larger amounts of the drug over a longer period of time than you intended

  • Supply Making certain that you maintain a supply of the drug

  • Finances Spending money on the drug, even though you can’t afford it

  • Responsibilities Not meeting obligations and work responsibilities, or cutting back on social or recreational activities because of drug use

  • Consequences Continuing to use the drug, even though you know it’s causing problems in your life or causing you physical or psychological harm

  • Behaviors Doing things to get the drug that you normally wouldn’t do, such as stealing

  • Risk taking Driving or doing other risky activities when you’re under the influence of the drug

  • Obsession Spending a good deal of time getting the drug, using the drug or recovering from the effects of the drug

  • Chronic use Failing in your attempts to stop using the drug

  • Withdrawal Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you attempt to stop taking the drug

  • Problems at school or work Frequently missing school or work, a sudden disinterest in school activities or work, or a drop in grades or work performance

  • Physical health issues Lack of energy and motivation, weight loss or gain, or red eyes

  • Neglected appearance Lack of interest in clothing, grooming or looks

  • Changes in behavior Exaggerated efforts to bar family members from entering his or her room or being secretive about where he or she goes with friends; or drastic changes in behavior and in relationships with family and friends

  • Money issues Sudden requests for money without a reasonable explanation; or your discovery that money is missing or has been stolen or that items have disappeared from your home, indicating maybe they’re being sold to support drug use