Supporting People Affected by Substance Use

Nearly  20 million individuals and their families are affected by substance use  disorders every year. Caring about, living with, or loving a person  with an addictive disease can be challenging. Sadly, for too long, many  have been at a loss for where to seek support for addiction.

In  response to this, Voices of Hope was organized as a grassroots effort  to help identify and access critical resources for those in need. Anyone  can take the first step and call or email us to get in contact with the  Voices of Hope organization. We also provide weekly support groups and  open hours at 18 Beaver Street.

For friends  and family members, recognizing signs of addictive behavior is essential  to helping someone. Recognizing patterns of addictive behavior is not  always easy, and the signs of addictive behavior are not always obvious.

Since  addiction often maintains itself through secrecy and dishonesty, people  who face addiction may go to great lengths to conceal addictive  behaviors. Friends and family should not blame themselves if they did  not see such signs before addiction manifested in their loved one.

Close friends and family members may notice signs of active drug use, overdose or withdrawal in their loved one.

Physical signs of addiction include, but aren’t limited to:

• Eye changes (enlarged or small pupils, bloodshot eyes)
• Unexplained weight loss
• Sleep changes
• Hygiene changes
• Skin changes (cold, dry, clammy, sweaty, goosebumps)
• Worsened physical coordination
• Unkempt appearance
• Mental status changes
• Restlessness
• Shakiness or tremors

Behavioral changes may also help a friend or family member identify a drug or alcohol addiction.

Some common behavioral signs of addiction may include:

• Secretive or isolative behavior
• Unexplained financial distress
• Erratic behavior
• Unexplained or atypical mood swings
• A decline in school or work performance
• Depressed mood
• Inability to enjoy usual activities
• Anxiety

Someone  who struggles with substance abuse may display some of these physical  and behavioral signs and not others, and not everyone will show these  signs. If any sort of physical and behavioral changes occur in your  loved one and you’re concerned that drug use is involved, speak with  your friends or family members privately AND call Voices of Hope for  help and direction.