Not every drug user is sure of whether or not they need treatment. Some users claim that they are simply recreational drug users, and do not worry that their habit is causing problems.
Rarely, this can be the case. Unfortunately, in most situations, recreational drug users are on a path towards addiction. If you’re not sure of whether or not you need to seek treatment, then this article should give you the insight that you need.
When do I need treatment?
The simple way to look at this is to ask yourself if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Signs and symptoms of drug abuse.
- The development of tolerance.
- Withdrawal symptoms.
Signs and symptoms of drug abuse are the first indicators that you need to seek treatment. If you don’t seek treatment at this stage, you will begin to develop a drug tolerance. If you still refrain from seeking treatment after you’ve developed a tolerance, you are likely to develop withdrawal symptoms.
Here are some more details about these stages of addiction.
Signs and Symptoms of Drug Abuse
If you are displaying any of these signs or symptoms of drug abuse, it’s a good idea to seek treatment before the problem becomes any more serious.
- Spending more money on drugs than you intend to
- Missing out on social gatherings, work, or family time to do drugs
- Feeling like you’re unable to socialize or find motivation without drugs
- Hiding your drug use from friends or family
- Thinking about drugs when you’re not using them
- Having to lie or ‘bend the truth’ in regards to your drug use
- Experiencing problems with authorities as a result of drug use
- Developing mood instabilities or noticing cognitive issues, like ‘brain fog’ or slow thinking
- Noticing changes in energy levels, lethargy
Drug Tolerance
A tolerant user requires larger and larger doses of a substance to experience the same effects that they did when they first started using. In most cases, drug tolerance will ‘plateau’ – that is, it will level out at a certain phase.
Most often, in this phase, users are unable to achieve the desirable effects that they once did. A person becomes physically or psychologically dependent on the drug and may experience withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms occur when your body is physically dependent on a drug. At this stage, you will require the drug to function normally. If you aren’t able to use the drug, you may experience symptoms like:
- Sweating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain in the joints and bones
- Restless legs syndrome
- Anxiety, depression, and mood instability
- Inability to socialize
- Insomnia or excessive sleep
- Loss of appetite, weight loss
- Itchy, crawling skin
- Shaking
- Diarrhea and digestive issues
- Dehydration
- Seizures
In Conclusion
If you experience any signs and symptoms of drug addiction or abuse, it’s best to seek treatment as soon as possible. If you don’t, then you run the risk of developing a more serious addiction down the road.
Written by Nigel Ford
