A substance abuse problem or addiction can develop more abruptly than most people expect. This is why casual substance use often turns into something more severe before you even notice it. And such an issue will negatively affect the body and mind, worsening over time if left untreated. This is especially the case with young adults who have just taken their very first steps toward proper adulthood. In order to give them the best possible chances toward a successful future, it is essential to pay attention to some early signs. Whether you’ve dealt with substance abuse yourself and worry your child may be affected by it or simply want to be informed, here are some warning signs of substance use in young adults you should be wary of.
Losing interest in what they previously enjoyed
One of the most noticeable changes you may notice in a young adult but may also overlook is their lack of interest in things they previously enjoyed. This can be linked to many different things, but it is also a clear warning sign that something may be wrong. If they used to truly enjoy hiking and seemingly all-of-a-sudden have no interest in it, it is time to question why that change has occurred. They may have overgrown it, but it is still something you should question. Furthermore, if they seem to have no energy for hobbies they’ve taken part in, notice such a change and approach them about it carefully and carefully.
Having trouble in school or work
Whether the young adult you’re concerned about is in school or work, take careful notice of their performance. If they are uninterested in things related to school and work, or if they are chronically late or tired during it, this is another warning sign of potential issues with substance abuse. When dealing with such issues, many people may put academics and work successfully on the back burner. In turn, this will cause lower marks and poor performance reviews that can be detrimental to their future. Additionally, many such individuals may also have a sudden disregard for rules causing them to get into trouble more often. If you notice such changes and pinpoint the issue as substance abuse, a young adult rehab will help them find expert assistance and get them on the right path yet again.
Ruining their previously valued relationships
Substance abuse may cause individuals to tarnish their previous relationships. This is mainly due to them not valuing such relationships anymore or even mistreating their friends and family. After all, addictive substances can become the number one priority in their lives, making them push everything else away. Furthermore, it can be difficult to deal with such an issue as substance use in young adults and show appreciation to those around you, especially if such people notice a change and confront you about it. Most people may even get defensive if such a thing occurs and push those that care for them away.
Being irregularly irritable
Behavioral issues are vital warning signs of substance abuse that are pretty noticeable. If you notice your loved one is more irritable, defensive, or has temper flare-ups, it is time to intervene and understand the cause of such a change. It may be other issues causing them to act this way, such as issues at home, school, work, anxiety, and even depression. However, it is also strongly linked to substance abuse since dangerous substances can truly make a person’s temper change. These behavioral issues may also cause a domino effect by making them more prone to causing conflicts and ruining their chances of creating meaningful relationships and achieving work and academic success (as previously mentioned).
Needing far more privacy than usual
If you’ve noticed some of the previously mentioned warning signs, chances are you may have confronted them about it and only encountered a strong wall all around them. This is another common occurrence among individuals suffering from substance abuse. They build walls around them, protecting them from the world around them, even when the people closest to them simply want to help. By needing more privacy and being defensive when this privacy is attacked, they hope they will be left alone to abuse substances even further. Of course, their exponential need for privacy may also be linked to other issues, such as them being bullied and not wanting to talk about it. Nonetheless, it is essential that you carefully bring up the different warning signs you’ve seen and show them you only wish to help and never to judge.
Financial management problems
A clear warning sign of substance abuse is having financial issues. After all, substances do come at a steep price, especially when abused daily. You may notice them spending more money than previously or even frequently asking for financial help. Furthermore, you may observe that their spending habits do not show in the way they dress or the things they physically own, which can be linked to them spending their money on illegal substances. You will have to try and avoid being the one giving them money only for them to spend it on substances that will only cause them harm. This is why professionals such as harmonyridgerecovery.com suggest you talk to them about their financial struggles, offer other kinds of help rather than monetary ones, and be there for them until you realize the cause of such issues.
Physical changes
The last type of warning signs of substance use in young adults is those that can manifest themselves as physical changes. The young adult you may be worried about could be showing signs of extreme weight loss, which are highly linked to different kinds of substance abuse. Of course, it could also be an eating disorder that should also be dealt with as soon as possible. Furthermore, bloody and watery eyes can be another clear sign. If your loved one is experiencing shakes or tremors, this may also point toward substance abuse. Additionally, a lack of interest in their appearance, such as wearing dirty or torn clothes or not grooming themselves properly, may indicate such an issue. Other physical changes you may notice are:
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Enlarged or incredibly small pupils
- Needle marks on the arms, legs, or feet, among other markings or bruises
- Sores or spots around the mouth
- Poor skin tone
Lisa Davis
Lisa is a caring but strict mother of four children interested in sharing everything she’s learned during this challenging but rewarding process of being a parent.
Hey welcome to my blog . I am a modern women who love to share any tips on lifestyle, health, travel. Hope you join me in this journey!
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