Problematic substance use can be a devious affliction. Those suffering from it become capable of hiding their misuse, making seeing the signs of it in a loved one difficult indeed.
Today, the Help Me Stop team is describing a few common signs that indicate problematic drug and alcohol use, as well as a description of our breakthrough Dayhab treatment model – a new, non-residential style of rehabilitation that is cheaper and more flexible than traditional methods.
Not one addiction is the same
One of the first things you may be struggling with in identifying problematic substance misuse is simply that there’s no one picture of it. Not everyone who uses drugs or drinks alcohol becomes physically or psychologically addicted, and when they do their patterns of behaviour and use of their substances can vary drastically from person to person.
Many factors influence how a person becomes addicted to a substance. Things like their weight, genetics, pre-existing mental conditions and their lifestyle all influence how they react to drugs and alcohol. The take-home here? To simply be aware that a person misusing drugs and alcohol won’t fit a single picture.
The progression from recreational use
Although not always the case, it’s often so that a person will become addicted to a substance through recreational use. Sometimes referred to as a Substance Use Disorder or SUD, the turning point in problematic drug and alcohol use is when the individual is unable to stop despite knowing the impact their use is having on themselves and those around them.
Signs your friend or loved one may be misusing drugs and alcohol
Although we’ve established that there is no one picture of substance misuse, there are certainly common signs you can look out for in those close to you if you’re concerned. Here are some of them.
Money problems: It’s common for people misusing substances to destabilise financially. This often leads to calling on those around them. Requests for loans or credit cards, taking out multiple cards with rising overdrafts and advances from work are common. Selling valued assets and theft are also sometimes seen.
Withdrawal from social activities: When a person becomes addicted to a substance, it’s common for them to replace social activities with the private use of that substance. Sometimes you will also see the person begin the use of it with similarly troubled people as this normalises their behaviour and can help justify their actions to themselves by saying they are not as bad as X or Y.
Physical changes: Although physical symptoms vary depending on the substance being misused, it’s common to see physical changes in a person misusing drugs and alcohol. Common signs include weight loss, red eyes, skin problems and the development of odours or smells – often due to neglect as their substance misuse takes greater hold of their lives.
Psychological changes: Although psychological symptoms vary depending on the substance being misused, it’s common to see psychological changes in a person misusing drugs and alcohol. Common signs include irritability, mood swings, paranoia, depression, anxiety, aggression and sometimes hallucinations.
Legal problems: It’s sometimes the case that substance misuse leads to legal issues and risk-taking. An increase in problems with the law indicates a shift in their priorities and behaviour – a change common to those misusing drugs and alcohol.
Dishonesty: One of the more hurtful changes to those close to a person misusing substances, an increase in dishonesty is a common side-effect of addiction. You may notice your loved one lying about their activities, where they are, who they are with, what time they will be back or being dishonest about their use of your or their money.
How Help Me Stop’s breakthrough Dayhab model works
Help Me Stop was created by a team of professionals passionate about treatment and long-term recovery. All of our staff have been on their own journeys of recovery and have drawn on these experiences to shape a new model of treatment based on successful outcomes that is more suitable to the average person in the modern world. Here’s how we’re different.
Non-residential: Residential rehab programmes are expensive. This is fine for those that can afford tens of thousands of Pounds, but less suitable for the average person. A non-residential programme like ours means our clients attend sessions at our London centre but won’t live there. This drastically reduces the cost of our programme; Help Me Stop’s treatment costs between $16 and $19 per hour for its 160 hour programme delivered between 5 and 10 weeks – approximately one-tenth of the cost of residential rehab. Better yet, our success rates match or exceed that of traditional residential programmes.
Family-focused: It’s often difficult for the families of those going through rehab. Traditional programmes often have limited support, leaving loved ones struggling. Help Me Stop places greater emphasis on the family, offering up to 20 hours of family programmes and the booking of appointments for family members on little to no notice – even the same day. We talk through your problems and struggles and offer practical advice that helps you and your loved one get through your issues.
Better aftercare: Our rehab programme places great emphasis on aftercare. Every person’s treatment is different, with some benefiting from more aftercare than others so as to avoid relapsing. This is done on a case-by-case basis and is tailored entirely to every person’s unique needs and the needs of those around them, with the added value of continued drug and alcohol testing.
Flexible: We all have to work to live, and our Dayhab programme understands that. Open from 8.30am to 9.00pm in the week and 8.30am to 3.00pm at weekends we offer our programme around the working hours of our clients. This, combined with our non-residential approach, makes rehab accessible to more people than ever before.
Get in touch today
We hope you’ve found today’s article informative and helpful. If you’d like more information on our Dayhab programme, you can find more information on this page of our site. If you’d like to contact us, please call at 0208 191 9191 or email via our contact form.
