In this Blog post, we will cover some Symptoms and patterns associated with Addiction. Warning signs for parents, family member and close friends to be aware of. These signs will help you recognise if the child is experimenting with Drugs/Alcohol and getting addicted to substances.
After having lived with and Successfully Rehabilitated countless Drug Addicts, Alcoholics since 1983, Dr. Yusuf Merchant, President of DAIRRC, has suggested the following warning signs for parents to be aware of in order to take precautions:
- The child suddenly develops a totally new set of friends. These will at times be unruly, unkempt, crude and far different from the child’s normal set of friends.
- The child will start displaying non characteristic behaviour, use abusive words in speech, undergo a change in dress style, hair style, makeup and appearance
- Change in Sleep Pattern, where the child sleeps more during the day, and stays awake at night
- Loose tobacco, rolled currency notes, foils, tubes, syringes, vials etc. appearing in the trash or in the child’s belongings
- The child displays severe Mood Fluctuations
- The child spends more time than necessary in the bathroom, or behind locked doors, on a frequent basis
- The child shows a drastic change in appetite or develops a sudden craving for sweets
- The child appears withdrawn and lethargic at times, goes out and comes back hyped up and restless
- The child’s monetary demands keep getting higher, money and valuables keep disappearing from the house
- The child spends lesser time with family and seems distant. Would make excuses to miss family functions and holidays
- The child starts lying about smallest of things
In case you notice 3 or 4 of the above signs in a person, it is highly probable that he/she is experimenting or abusing Drugs/ Alcohol. The best way to help a person with these symptoms would be to seek professional help and not to let these signs go unnoticed.