The Patterns of Drug Use

With addiction and overdoses reaching epidemic levels in the United States, you may wonder how to identify drug use patterns so you can find the right support for yourself or a loved one. Identifying drug use patterns can help you figure out if a loved one is potentially abusing drugs, which is the first step in helping your loved one find help. Patterns of drug use can sometimes be complicated to spot, while others may be more obvious. Fortunately, Beaches Recovery has a team of seasoned and compassionate counselors and therapists who can educate and guide individuals in recognizing substance use disorder.

When patterns of drug use begin to appear, it can indicate that you are either struggling with a substance abuse problem or at risk for chronic relapse.

What Are the Patterns of Drug Use?

The patterns of drug use vary depending on your age, drug of choice, and personality. For instance, if you work full time, drug use patterns could include regularly calling off from work. Some other signs of drug use include:

• Personality changes, such as reluctance to socialize
• Mood changes
• Difficulty paying bills, financial problems, or requests to borrow money
• Legal problems, such as DUI or possession charges
• Changes in appearance, such as pale skin or weight loss
• Behavioral changes

Personality changes can be indicative of drug use as well. If you are using substances with sedative qualities, such as opiates, you may appear to be tired or “nod.” Substances like amphetamines can cause an elevated mood and increased energy.

Another potential sign of substance abuse is financial difficulties, which can mean problems paying bills or regularly asking to borrow money. If you are typically a reliable person, suddenly missing social, work, and personal obligations may also be a sign of drug use. Being unable to enjoy social outings without using drugs or alcohol or getting heavily intoxicated at inappropriate times might be a symptom of a substance abuse problem.

Treating an Addiction or Substance Abuse Issue

If you or a loved one finds it difficult to control your drug use or drinking, it might be time to explore treatment options. Such as:

• Dual diagnosis
• Holistic treatment
• Men’s rehab center
• Women’s rehab center
• Inpatient treatment
• Outpatient treatment

Every treatment center provides unique programs, with some specializing in co-occurring disorders and others focusing on holistic treatments. If you have a dual diagnosis, it is best to find a rehab that provides an experienced dual diagnosis program. Some treatment centers are single-sex, which can be a great option if you struggle with trauma.

Inpatient treatment centers provide around-the-clock monitoring and treatment, providing you access to mental health and medical professionals. The added structure can help you if you require more intensive treatment. Outpatient programs are less formal and can allow you to continue working or going to school during treatment. Cross addiction treatment programs can also be beneficial in combating substance abuse issues.

Finding Treatment at Beaches Recovery

The patterns of drug use can be difficult to identify. It can be frustrating and emotional when you or a loved one recognize that you need help to overcome your addiction. However, there is treatment available, and it is the best way to heal and recover. By working with our treatment professionals at Beaches Recovery, individuals struggling with substance use disorder can create a recovery plan to meet their goals. Across all our treatment programs, we offer a variety of therapeutic programs:

• Equine Assisted Therapy
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing or EMDR therapy
• Family Therapy Program
• Individual Therapy
• Nutrition Therapy and Addiction Treatment
• Trauma Therapy
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy
• Yoga Therapy

Beaches Recovery, a leading treatment center that provides personalized recovery programs, is here to help. To learn more about how our programs can help you achieve recovery, call us today at 866.605.0532, or contact us online.