For anyone battling drug use and trying to live a clean and sober life, getting the right help is critical. Another important aspect is seeing and understanding the clear signs of drug use. Not only does that help you determine the kinds of issues you might be facing, but it also enables you to see whether your interactions with others are healthy or not. Many people who seek treatment for substance use change their friend groups to avoid the temptation of past behaviors. At Crestview Recovery, we want to help you understand drug use signs and symptoms so that you can make good, healthy choices.
Are There Clear Signs of Drug Use?
In most instances, there are clear signs of drug use. Some people don’t see those signs not because they aren’t present, but because they may not want to acknowledge the problem. But recognizing the issue is the first step toward solving it, and that makes it very important to admit and see the signs of a substance use problem. The signs of drug use will vary, depending on the drug. For example, alcohol abuse can cause blackouts, memory lapses, denial, drinking alone, drinking to cope with stress, and legal problems. Someone who’s abusing alcohol may also neglect or try to avoid their responsibilities.
Alcohol isn’t the only type of substance that’s noticeable, though. Many other substances can cause a person to act differently than they otherwise would. Often, this change in behavior is the first indication that there are drug use issues taking place. People who abuse other types of drugs may have similar symptoms as those who use alcohol, but they may also show signs such as:
- Appetite changes
- Irritability, hostility, or anger
- Slurred speech
- Coordination problems
- Drowsiness and slowed breathing
- Continual confusion
- Needle marks, sores, and other physical deterioration
- Impulsive behaviors
These are all clear signs of drug use, especially when several of them are consistently present in a person. If you or a loved one are struggling with drug use issues, we want to help you recover and live a clean and sober life you can enjoy and be proud of living. Living with addiction isn’t necessary, and there are options for you to consider and explore.
Choose a Facility That Can Help
One of the most important ways to get healthy when you’re experiencing clear signs of drug use is to work with a facility you can trust to offer the support you need. We have a lot to offer at our Portland, Oregon facility. There are very few treatment options in the Pacific Northwest, and we know we can give you the help and guidance that can get you on the right path. There’s no reason for you to live addicted when you have the chance to live a healthy life and do the things you enjoy. Your goals and dreams are still waiting for you to return to them. Some of the options for treatment we can offer to you include:
- Extended care (90-day program)
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Individual therapy
- Trauma therapy
- Partial hospitalization
- Intensive outpatient
- Outpatient
- Aftercare
No matter what kind of drug you’re battling, our 30-bed, Joint Commission-accredited facility is here to help you recover. We also offer an amenities program so that you can go snowboarding and skiing in the winter months, or white water rafting when the weather is warm. Don’t settle for less than a recovered life that’s healthy and whole. You want to enjoy the future, and that can be hard to do when you’re facing an addiction. By understanding the signs and symptoms of drug use, though, you get the opportunity to treat those symptoms and work with people who can help you be successful. A recovered life is out there for you.
Let Crestview Recovery Help You Today
There’s no reason to let addiction control your life anymore. You can conquer your drug use and live a life that’s clean and sober. Contact us today at 866.262.0531, so we can help you find the tools and techniques you need to reach success and live a future in recovery. Reaching out is the first step. While it might not be easy to ask for help, we’ll be here to help you move forward.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
