Do I Have a Drug Problem?

Drug addiction is a growing epidemic, affecting millions of people all over the world. In fact, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 21.5 million American adults battled a substance use disorder in 2014. There can be many reasons someone might fall into a drug problem, including:

  • Environmental influences. Children of addicts are exponentially more likely to become addicted to drugs themselves. This is due to learning the negative coping skills as well as the normalization of drug use in their home or neighborhood.
  • Prescribed medication. People who have been prescribed medication for such things as surgery or injury pain management, anxiety or depression can become addicted to their medication.
  • Mental illness. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)  publishes that almost 8 million of the 21.5 million Americans battling substance use disorder also battled both a mental health disorder.

Common Signs

You may already be feeling like your drug use is becoming out of control. But, how do you know when it is time to get help? Admitting you have a drug problem and choosing to get help for it is one of the scariest decisions to make – but it is one that can save your life. Take a moment to reflect on your drug habit, and ask yourself if you are experiencing any of these physical and behavioral signs of having a drug problem.

Physical signs

  • Significant weight loss or weight gain
  • Memory loss or trouble focusing
  • Depression
  • Heightened anxiety
  • Panic attacks
  • Change in sleeping patterns
  • Change in eating habits
  • Skin breakouts
  • Hair loss
  • Poor coordination
  • Slurred speech
  • Bloodshot or dilated eyes
  • Frequent jaw movement
  • Change in grooming and hygiene habits
  • Tremors
  • Irregular heartbeat

Behavioral signs

  • Increased agitation
  • Lethargy
  • Change in social circle
  • Legal issues
  • Changes in personality
  • Losing interest in hobbies that were once enjoyable
  • Isolation from family and friends
  • Stealing or borrowing money without the intent of paying it back
  • Using friends or family to fuel habit
  • Multiple prescriptions at multiple pharmacies
  • Taking more medication than the recommended dosage
  • Buying medication or drugs from the black market
  • Frequent dishonesty
  • Paranoia
  • Drop in school grades
  • Fired from job, or poor performance at job

How to Get Help

If you have come to the decision that you want to get help for your drug problem, there are many ways to seek it. With all the different treatment types and options available, it can be difficult to make a decision. The overwhelming nature of it all may make you feel like it’s too much, and that continuing to live your life with addiction is much easier. Continuing to live with drug addiction will only lead you to more negative impacts on your life, including death.

Many people suffering from addiction may feel too embarrassed or ashamed to ask for help, due to the stigma surrounding addiction. Society has placed blame onto people suffering from addiction, and feeling like someone of low moral standards is common. However, it is not your fault. Falling victim to drug addiction is much more than just ending a bad habit. It is learning new coping skills, learning how to deal with triggers, and completely changing your life to a new, healthy lifestyle.

Reach out

If there is someone in your family or social circle who you trust, reach out to them and let them know that you are considering getting help for your drug problem. They can help you find a treatment center right for you, as well as give you positive encouragement. Family and friends who truly love you will not judge you or shame you; they will work hard to make sure you are healthy and happy if you are ready to accept it.

Write it down

It can be hard to sit down with someone and admit all your misgivings face-to-face. The thought of the confrontation can be a trigger in itself. If the thought of having a conversation about your drug problem is too overwhelming, write it down. Send your loved one an email or text message with your thoughts to take the pressure off your shoulders.

Make the call yourself

Many people suffering from addiction have been denying their addiction to many people for a long time, so the thought of admitting to loved ones that they were “right” can be hard. In addition, one of the hallmarks of drug addiction is fractured and damaged relationships with loved ones. If you have alienated yourself to the point that you feel as if you have no one to turn to, you can make the call yourself. Our admissions specialists are available 24/7 to confidently answer any questions, work out payment options and fully explain the process to you.

About Pinelands Recovery Center

If you feel as if your drug addiction has made too many negative impacts on your life, it is time to get treatment. Don’t go through detox and abstaining alone – we will help you be as comfortable as possible, as well as offer you professional treatment and support.

Pinelands Recovery Center of Medford is widely known as one of New Jersey’s finest, most respected addiction treatment facilities. With comfortable 30-bed accommodations and a 24-hour professional staff, we can offer clients a serene, relaxing environment amid the lush piney woods. This stress-free setting with its sense of warmth and welcoming enables you to feel comfortable and confident about your clean and sober life ahead.

We will establish clear goals, both general in nature and specific to your needs. We continue to monitor those goals, to make sure that our clients are progressing and buying into their recovery plan. We thrive on assisting clients in feeling connected to the recovery community, share and demonstrate effective coping techniques, help clients to modify attitudes and patterns of behavior and everything else you will need to be happy and productive living a sober, healthy life.

We ensure that clients complete their planned concrete tasks, encourage hope, optimism and
healthy living. Our recovery program is not a revolving door treatment program; it is a recovery model designed to help clients go on to lead productive, happy lives. For more information, visit pinelandsrecovery.com