Massachusetts is well above the national average for the number of drug addiction cases and opioid-related deaths. Because of this, it is important for everyone to know the early signs of drug addiction, so they can help out a friend or loved one before it is too late. While there is no cure for addiction, a drug addiction treatment program can give patients the skills and confidence they need to reach their recovery goals and lead a healthy and sober life.
At Swift River, we provide compassionate support for men and women who want help with their addiction to heroin, prescription pain pills, or other drugs. We offer residential and outpatient treatment programs that utilize evidence-backed behavioral and holistic therapies, along with medication, to minimize withdrawals and cravings. We stand behind our patients throughout their recovery journey and beyond through our alumni programs. To learn more about our drug addiction treatment program, send us a message online or call 413.570.9698 today to speak with one of our knowledgeable staff members.
Recognizing the Early Signs of Drug Addiction
Men and women who abuse drugs will go to great lengths to hide their addiction. They know what they are doing is unhealthy, yet they feel like they have everything under control. Unfortunately, addiction can create thoughts and behaviors that strongly encourage them to continue the abuse that is difficult to resist. In many cases, they are not even aware of these thoughts and how they affect them until someone points them out.
Some of the common early signs of drug addiction include:
- The frequency of their use increases over time
- They are spending more money on drugs
- Having multiple prescriptions for opioid pain medication from different doctors
- Worsening problems at home and work
- Withdrawing from friends, family, and fun activities
- Finding glass pipes, bongs, needles, or other drug paraphernalia around the house
At Swift River, we have years of experience treating men and women with an addiction to alcohol, heroin, or other dangerous substances. We will discuss your treatment program with you and can give your family tips on creating a supportive home environment.
What to do When You Spot the Early Signs of Drug Use
Spotting the early signs of drug addiction is essential in reducing the risk of long-term drug addiction and the medical and mental health conditions it creates. Men and women who abuse drugs and alcohol for a long time will experience liver/kidney disease, certain cancers, heart disease, permanent brain damage, and other serious illnesses.
Here are some steps you can take when you spot early signs of drug use in a friend or loved one:
- Learn all you can about addiction and research local addiction treatment centers to see what type of services are near you and learn about the programs they offer. They have information on their websites about the early signs of drug use and ways to convince them to enroll in a treatment program.
- Sit down with them and talk about your concerns for their health. Be patient yet persistent, as it can take a lot for someone to admit they need help. Focus on the harm they are causing themselves and your concern for their wellbeing. Use specific instances if they refuse to see the truth of their actions.
- Spouses and significant others who regularly use drugs or alcohol together can quit together. Having someone close to them during this process is very beneficial and can lead to long-lasting sobriety.
Recognizing the early signs of drug addiction can save the life of a friend, parent, sibling, or spouse. Drug addiction is treatable, and many people go on to lead healthy and happy lives with the skills they learn during an addiction treatment program.
For Safe and Thorough Drug Addiction Treatment, Choose Swift River – Massachusetts
At Swift River, we help men and women who are struggling with addiction at our discreet and comfortable addiction treatment facility. Patients will participate in group and private therapy sessions where they will develop healthy coping skills, learn to process their thoughts and emotions, and how to express them in an appropriate manner.
Reach out to us today by calling 413.570.9698 to discover all the benefits of enrolling in our drug addiction treatment program. You may also fill out our online form and let us get back to you.
