It can be difficult to determine if someone needs professional substance abuse help.
The signs aren’t always black and white. And sometimes it can be hard to see the severity when it comes to people we love. But catching these signs early can truly save lives.
Let’s face facts:
Data from the SAMHSA 2024 survey show that over 48.4 million Americans over 12 experienced a substance use disorder within the last year. That comes out to about 1 in 6 people.
But wait… there’s more.
Only about 1 in 5 people who needed treatment for addiction received any form of treatment at all.
That means millions of people who need help aren’t getting it. Knowing WHEN someone needs professional intervention is the first step toward guiding a loved one through admissions for addiction treatment to get help.
Table of Contents
In this article, you’ll learn:
- 12 Major Warning Signs of Drug or Alcohol Abuse
- Behavioral Signs Someone Needs Help With Addiction
- Physical Signs of Alcohol or Drug Abuse
- When Does Someone Need To Get Professional Help?
- The Addiction Treatment Admissions Process Explained
12 Major Warning Signs of Drug or Alcohol Abuse
Drug and alcohol abuse doesn’t occur overnight.
Someone will use a substance occasionally before they realize they have a problem. These warning signs will slowly start to appear as the abuse continues.
Here are some major red flags to look out for:
- Taking a substance more often or in higher doses than intended
- Unable to stop or cut down on substance use
- Spending large amounts of time obtaining and using substances
- Feeling intense cravings that you can’t control
- Continued use of a substance despite relationship problems
You’ll notice that many of these signs coincide with each other. Someone struggling may exhibit one or two of these signs at first. However, as time progresses more and more signs will start to surface. These are signs of a diagnosable medical condition that requires treatment.
Behavioral Signs Someone Needs Help With Addiction
Alright… this is where it gets messy…
Behavioral signs are hard to pinpoint for everyone involved. Often times the person struggling won’t even realize these signs are emerging. But loved ones will more than likely begin to notice a drastic change in the person they once knew.
Some common behavioral signs include:
- Isolation from family and refusing to spend time with loved ones
- Performing poorly at work or school
- Loss of interest in activities that used to bring them joy
- Secretive behaviors
Imagine your friend who used to love to play basketball now suddenly stops. Something is up.
But wait, there’s more…
Many people who suffer from substance abuse use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate undiagnosed mental health conditions. Mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and trauma often overlap with addiction. These signs will not go away if you ignore them. They will only continue to get worse.
Physical Signs of Alcohol or Drug Abuse
The body doesn’t lie.
Drug use and abuse will start to take a physical toll on someone’s appearance. These signs are easier to detect than others. Below are some common physical signs of alcohol or drug abuse.
Some physical signs include:
- Bloodshot eyes or pupils
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Poor hygiene
Someone who is going through withdrawal may experience vomiting, increased sweating, muscle cramps, and dramatic mood swings. If substance abuse continues for a long period of time, drug and alcohol abuse can cause major liver damage, heart conditions, and weaken immune system functions.
Please don’t wait until physical signs become severe.
When Does Someone Need To Get Professional Help?
Alright so when does someone REALLY need professional help?
This is a question many spouses, families, friends, and addicts themselves try to avoid. There is no clear cut answer. Everyone’s situation is different. But there are certain occasions when it’s crystal clear that someone needs professional help.
Here are some signs it’s time to get help:
- They have tried to quit drinking or using drugs at home multiple times
- They are unable to function normally day to day
- Withdrawal symptoms are dangerous
- They’re mentally unhealthy
- Their relationships and career are going downhill
Please understand this…
Addiction is a disease that affects the brain. The more someone uses drugs or alcohol the more it alters their brains functionality. Someone doesn’t choose to become addicted to drugs or alcohol. Getting professional help allows someone to be medically supervised during withdrawal and receive the structured treatment that self recovery does not provide.
The Addiction Treatment Admissions Process Explained
Many individuals avoid getting help because they don’t know what to expect.
The addiction treatment admissions process can be simplified to make it as easy as possible for someone to start recovery. Let’s walk through what someone can expect from start to finish.
An individual seeking treatment will first go through an admissions process. During this process, a treatment specialist will ask questions about a persons substance use history, mental health status, and general health conditions. A treatment plan will be designed based on their needs.
Most treatment centers will verify a person’s insurance. Treatment centers typically work with most insurance providers. If someone doesn’t have insurance, most treatment facilities offer financing options.
Once a person is officially admitted, they will likely undergo detox (if necessary). Detox is a form of medically supervised withdrawal. Once detox is completed, therapy and counseling can begin.
How Family and Friends Can Help
Someone alone cannot recover from addiction.
But you as their support system can guide them every step of the way. It is important to remember that helping someone with drug or alcohol addiction is different from enabling them. Enabling someone will ultimately cause more harm than good.
Here are some ways you can help:
- Educate yourself about addiction
- Set healthy boundaries
- Encourage them to get help
- Attend family support groups
Don’t threaten your loved one by saying “if you don’t go to treatment we are done”. Instead tell them why you’re concerned and that you love them. I know it can be tough, but many treatment centers offer family counseling to help better relationship.
It’s Time To Take The First Step
Don’t wait for rock bottom.
Every day someone spends in addiction, they are hurting their body and mind. They only dig themselves deeper into disorder. According to SAMHSA, 80% of people who needed treatment for substance abuse DID NOT receive treatment in 2024.
Someone you know is fighting a battle they most likely can’t win on their own. Recovery WILL change their life for the better. It will restore their health, relationships, and bring hope back into your loved one’s life.
Bringing It All Together
If you suspect someone you know is struggling with drug or alcohol abuse, look for these signs.
Behavioral changes, physical signs, and using more than they used to are telltale signs that someone needs help. Trust your instincts. If you think something is wrong, it probably is.
Remember…
Early intervention with professional treatment leads to greater chances of recovery.
You can not force someone to get help unless they’re under age. However, you can lead them in the right direction. Show them that you care and are there to support them by researching addiction treatment centers near you.
Drug addiction does not discriminate against age, race, gender, or sexual orientation. Addiction can happen to anyone at any time. But with the right treatment and family support, millions of people recover from drug addiction everyday.
It all starts with one phone call.
One conversation.
One moment of bravery.
Are you brave enough to pick up the phone?
