You may feel guilt or desperation if you suspect a loved one of drug abuse.Spotting addiction requires close and careful observation of the person.If your friend or family member is abusing drugs, you can watch for behavioral changes, physical/environmental cues and social changes.Try to convince your loved one that they need help.
Step 1: There are problems at work and school.
A drastic drop in attendance at school or work is usually the first sign of a problem.You might learn that your teen is skipping school.Changes in functioning suggest that something else, possibly drugs, has become a priority for the person.
Step 2: Financial troubles and legal troubles can be tracked.
If your loved one has recently gotten into trouble with the law or other authority figures, take note, especially if this is out of character for the person.Also, watch out for your loved one who may need more money than usual.You might have to lend them money a lot.Family members may have to bail abusers out of jail.
Step 3: There are lies and inconsistencies.
Drug addiction and lying are like peas in a Pod.A person who is abusing drugs frantically tries to cover their tracks, but you will often notice gaps in their stories.You might have believed your husband when he said he was working late, but you bumped into his coworker who said otherwise.If you catch someone lying, talk to the other person.Don't yell at them or accuse them.You could say something, "Oh, that's interesting."Your coworker said you left early.
Step 4: There are sudden changes in behavior.
A person who is abusing drugs may have a hot, cold demeanor.You might notice that your loved one is hiding in their bedroom.They may stay out late.They might be hiding something or acting suspiciously.Drug abuse can have a number of different changes, including nervous behavior, excessive exhaustion, going to bed at strange times, and suddenly sleeping and eating too much or too little.It is possible that your loved one has trouble remembering things, speak differently, or act aggressively.
Step 5: Don't watch for neglect in appearance.
People who abuse drugs may have poor hygiene.A disheveled person may have messy hair, need to shower, and wear the same outfit again and again.
Step 6: There are physical signs to look for.
There are physical signs that your loved one is currently or recently intoxicated.Different types of drugs have different physical reactions.Marijuana can cause red eyes, dry mouth, and increased appetite.Slow physical reactions can be caused by barbiturates or benzodiazepines.Drug abuse, like meth or cocaine, can manifest through rapid speech and excitability.If your loved one is abusing drugs, they may have injuries on their arms.
Step 7: Breath mints, gum, or cologne are used uncommonly.
On the flip side of a neglected appearance is a loved one covering up any signs of drug use.They can use eye drops, smell strongly of cologne or perfume, and often use mints or chew gum.
Step 8: There are missing items around the home.
If a loved one is trying to sustain a drug habit, they will need more money than usual.They may start to steal if they don't borrow from friends or family.You should keep a record of valuable items or cash that disappear around your household or in the homes of people close to you.
Step 9: They have nifty hiding places.
Drug paraphernalia may be hidden in the home of a loved one.You can use your imagination to explore their room.Look under beds and couches, desk and clothing drawers, between the pages of books, in CD and DVD cases, and under loose floor boards.Over-the-counter pill bottles or candy and snack containers are not obvious places.
Step 10: The person might be missing from important events.
It is possible that your loved one's social calendar was cleared because of their drug habit.They may not show up for important family, work, or school events again and again.You may have to speak to someone.Be sure to check with your loved one's friends, coworkers, and school.
Step 11: There are signs of withdrawal.
A person abusing drugs has a completely different view of things.A typically friendly teen may suddenly spend most of their time alone.If you notice that your loved one is no longer with you, you may need to watch them more closely.
Step 12: You should watch for new friends and hangout spots.
If a friend or family member is abusing drugs, you may find that they have a new social circle.They don't have time for positive friends anymore.Instead, they may be spending more time with shady figures and hanging out in areas where drugs are frequently sold or used.
Step 13: Talk to the person.
If you suspect your loved one is abusing drugs, speak to them.In a non-confrontational way, do it.You don't want to frighten them.Explain your suspicions and let them know you are concerned.I found a bag of pills in your pocket while I was doing laundry.I'm worried that you're using drugs because of the changes in you.Can you tell me what's happening?As you talk to them, be supportive.Blaming or accusing them won't encourage them to get help.
Step 14: They should be asked to get help.
If your loved one admits to using drugs, you can request help.You could say, "I will help you look up some treatment programs to get better" or something like that.You may have to convince the person that they have a problem if they are unwilling to get help.
Step 15: Speak to their friends and family.
If your loved one is abusing drugs but doesn't want treatment, you need to try to convince them.A way to do this is by having close friends and family talk to the person.People who care about this person should reach out.You could say, "I have noticed a lot of alarming signs with Jacob lately."I think he is using drugs.Will you join me in talking to him?
Step 16: You should consult with a professional.
A mental health or substance abuse professional can facilitate the best interventions.The person can help you prepare for the intervention.It is possible to have this person present during the meeting to offer their expertise.Contact your local substance abuse treatment center or mental health agency to find someone who can help you.
Step 17: Look at treatment options.
It's a good idea to educate yourself about how to treat drug abuse before you talk to your loved one.The type of treatment your loved one needs depends on how badly their drug use has affected their life and functioning.Some people can recover from drug abuse through outpatient treatment, while others need more intensive treatment.There are some treatment programs in your area.If you are working with a facilitator, they can give you resources.The treatment options should be discussed with other key people.The information should be gathered.Prepare to present it during the meeting.
Step 18: Discuss your concerns with the person.
The purpose of an intervention is to relay your concerns to a loved one who is abusing drugs.Each friend or family member will express their love for the person and plead with them to get help.The person's drug abuse has had a negative impact on you.You could say, "Jacob, you know that I love and care about you."I am concerned.I can see how your drug use is causing problems at school and in your relationships, and I have watched you spiral over the last few weeks.If you got treatment, I would feel better.
Step 19: If you are worried about an overdose, call for help.
If you think your loved one has overdosed, call the emergency services.Difficult breathing, seizures, headaches, chest pain, anxiety, delirium, and going into and out of consciousness are some of the signs of an overdose.
Step 20: Give an ultimatum and enforce it.
Usually, loved ones give the person treatment options and let them know that they expect them to get help.If the person doesn't accept the consequences might be communicated.If you set consequences, make sure that you are willing to enforce them.If your brother gets help for drug abuse, he will be cut off from his inheritance.