Signs of Drug Use
The best thing to do in the beginning is to keep an eye on your loved one's behavior. This seems to be the first thing to change and a drug addict will start distancing himself from family members and friends. Other behavioral changes might be the loss of appetite, avoiding social events, and spending more time alone. You may even notice that your loved one has different friends. He will start hanging around with people who will accept his drug use and he will never have to own up to the responsibilities.
A drug abuser may suddenly feel uncomfortable around other adults. You can try as you may but it may be disappointing trying to convince the addict to come and join you at a social event. If you mention it, the addict tends to come up with a million and one excuses and he always becomes defensive when asked about the addiction.
When you suspect a person of using drugs and you want to confront him about his drug use, it is important to remain calm and not to corner him or make him feel as if he is being attacked. Keep in mind that the addict can not think clearly and he is unable to make rational decisions or have rational thoughts. Addicts think they have their lies under control but it is important for them to know that you know what is going on.
If your loved one has lost a lot of weight, you should mention it as a concern. If he refuse to attend family functions, you need to confront him and let him know how that makes the family feel. Let your loved one know that you still love him but stress that his behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Let the suspected addict know of a similar situation you have been in and how it was overcome without drugs. Sometimes, just spending time with an addict can break though the walls he has been putting up and he may even seek some sort of treatment.
People have to be confronted with their drug use so they know there is no place for it in their life and their family's life. People are different and they act in different manners while using but treating them with the respect they deserve can go a long way. It is hard for someone to admit they need help with their drug use but with a caring family that is willing to offer support, it makes the decision to get clean a little easier.
Substance-Abuse