Signs & Symptoms of Substance Abuse

• Frequently missing school or work, a sudden disinterest in school activities or work
• A drop in grades or work performance
• Lack of energy and motivation
• Weight loss or gain
• Lack of interest in clothing, grooming or looks
• Major efforts to bar family members from entering one’s room
• Being secretive about going out with friends
• Drastic changes in behavior in relation with family and friends
• Sudden requests for money without a reasonable explanation
• Money or items of value have gone missing or have been stolen.
• A sense of euphoria or feeling "high"
• A heightened sense of visual, auditory and taste perception
• Changes blood pressure, heart rate, or body temperature
• Dry mouth
• Red Eyes
• Decreased coordination
• Confusion, difficulty concentrating or remembering
• Slowed reaction time
• Anxiety or paranoid thinking
• Odor on clothes
• Yellow fingertips
• Major cravings for certain foods at unusual times
• Decreased mental sharpness
• Ongoing cough and frequent lung infections
• Changes in mood
• Hallucinations
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Agitation or Violent behavior
• Increased sociability
• Panic attacks
• Delirium
• Drowsiness
• Slurred speech
• Lack of coordination
• Involuntary eye movements
• Falls or accidents
• Dizziness
• Increased energy and restlessness
• Rapid or rambling speech
• Larger than usual pupils
• Smaller than usual pupils
• Poor judgment
• Nasal congestion and damage
• Mouth sores, gum disease and tooth decay
• Insomnia
• Depression
• Muscle cramping and teeth clenching
• Impulsive behavior
• Rapid shifts in emotions
• Flashbacks, a reexperience of the hallucinations
• A feeling of being separated from your body and surroundings
• Lack of pain sensation
• Increase in blood pressure and heart rate
  
• Problems speaking
• Intolerance to loud noise
• Seizures or coma
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Needle marks

Illicit Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is a pattern of drug use that leads to significant problems such as failure to attend work or school and disintegration of relationships.

If you or someone you know is showing signs of illegal drug misuse or addiction, there is hope.

Prescription Drug Abuse

Are you craving more and more of your prescription drugs? The Most common culprits are opiate pain killers such as fentanyl and benzodiazepine anxiety medications such as Xanax.  If you are wanting to cut down, but not managing to do so, it may indicate a more serious problem. Taking the substance recreationally, in larger amounts then needed, or longer than needed are signs of abuse. Other red flags include using the substances even when it puts your work, relationships, and health in jeopardy. It may be time to seek help.

There is hope. 

Alcoholism

Drinking alcohol in moderation is fine, but when it becomes excessive, you may have ad addiction. Has your drinking become more important than other aspects in your life? Are your responsibilities to work, bills, family, friends, or health starting to suffer?

There is hope. 

Quit Smoking

Did you know, that smoking as a teen can seriously stunt your growth and affect your lungs? That means over time, even a short walk can make you feel out of breath. Smoking while pregnant can also cause low birth weight and a multitude of other health issues for your unborn child. Vaping can lead to metal being inhaled into your lungs.

Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances of abuse. It can be stop at any age.

If you or someone you know is ready to stop smoking or vaping, we can help.

There is hope.