Addiction Resources
If you are just learning about addiction or behavioral health care, you may feel overwhelmed and not quite know where to begin. The below content has been written and sourced from published reports by Pine Grove’s Clinical Therapists. We hope that it serves as a helpful resource as you begin the journey to recovery.
WARNING SIGNS OF CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY
*If you are in an emergency situation, please contact 911 or seek help at the nearest emergency department
Dependence on alcohol or other drugs is a widespread problem. Many times, people don’t recognize it. Chemical dependency is the inability to control the use of some physical substance and not being able to limit how much is used. If you have a dependency problem, recognizing the warning signs can help you move toward a happier and healthier life.
Here are some signs that might indicate a chemical dependency problem:
- Trying to cut down or quit using a substance and failing at it
- Blackouts or lapses of memory after use
- Using the substance while alone or hiding the evidence of use
- Using the substance to forget about problems or worries
- Doing things under the influence that cause regrets afterwards
- Not being able to enjoy an event without the substance
- Neglecting responsibilities in order to use the substance
- Family, friends, or your employer expresses concerns about your substance use
- Being willing to do almost anything to get the substance
- Financial or legal problems from using the substance
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF OPIOID ABUSE
*If you are in an emergency situation, please contact 911 or seek help at the nearest emergency department
Additionally, the increase in opioid abuse has forced many to reexamine the way we think about addiction. Many people that become addicted to opioids are initially prescribed opioids to treat legitimate pain. Below are some signs and symptoms of opioid abuse.
- Continued use despite knowing it is leading to or worsening a psychological problem
- Euphoria
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Poor Judgment
- Inability to make decisions
- Inability to plan
- Poor concentration or attention
- Memory problems
- Cravings for the drug
- Sleepiness or sedation
- Numbness or inability to feel pain
- Depressed respiration
- Small pupils
- Nausea or vomiting
- Itching
- Rashes or flushed skin
- Constipation
- Slurred speech
- The development of tolerance
- Withdrawal symptoms with no longer taking the drug or decreasing the dose
- Drug is taken to avoid withdrawal symptoms
OTHER LINKS
- “Explaining Addiction in the Wake of the Opioid Crisis” by Ted Crawford, LMFT