12 Signs of Addiction and The Role of Outpatient Drug Addiction Treatment in Smithfield
Addiction doesn’t always show up overnight. For many people and families in Smithfield, it begins small, perhaps with a prescription after an injury or a casual habit with friends. Over time, though, what once seemed harmless can take over daily life. The trouble is, the signs of drug addiction aren’t always obvious until they’ve built up.
If you’re worried about yourself or someone you care about, knowing the red flags can make all the difference.
Here are 12 common signs of drug addiction, along with how the outpatient drug addiction treatment at Rhode Island Addiction Treatment Centers in Smithfield can help.
12 Common Signs of Drug Addiction
In 2023, 47.7 million Americans, 12 and above, have used drugs in just 1 month!
Therefore, paying attention to the following 12 warning signs can help you decide when it’s time to opt for an outpatient drug addiction treatment:
1. Sudden Mood Swings
Many families often notice a visible change in mood as one of the first signs. A person might be cheerful and friendly one moment, then feel a bit irritable or withdrawn the next. These mood swings can sometimes be linked to drug use or withdrawal, which can be tough for everyone involved.
2. Drop in School or Work Performance
For students and working adults in Smithfield, a clear warning sign is when grades or job performance suddenly drop. Missed deadlines, frequent absences, or falling behind in responsibilities may indicate a deeper issue than just stress.
3. Pulling Away from Family and Friends
Addiction often leads people to isolate themselves. Someone who used to enjoy family dinners, sports, or social events may start avoiding them. They may prefer to spend time alone or with a different group of friends who share the same habits.
4. Money Problems That Don’t Add Up
Drugs can be very costly, and this can lead to money problems over time. You might notice signs such as unexpected loans, missing valuables, or ongoing financial issues that don’t align with the person’s regular lifestyle.
5. Changes in Appearance and Hygiene
Ignoring personal care can be a warning sign of addiction. A person who is struggling may stop grooming themselves, wear the same clothes repeatedly, or appear unhealthy. Noticeable signs, such as red eyes, weight loss, or frequent sniffles, may also be present.
6. Secretive Behavior
A person using drugs usually acts in a secretive or suspicious manner. They may lie about where they have been, lock doors, or get defensive when asked simple questions. These changes in behavior can cause tension at home or with friends.
7. Physical Health Problems
Drugs can affect the body in many ways. Watch for these warning signs: bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils, sudden weight changes, and frequent illnesses. Some people may also struggle with poor sleep, constant fatigue, or noticeable shakiness.
8. Risky Decisions
Driving under the influence or acting impulsively is common when someone is using drugs. These actions can put both the person and others at risk. As a person’s addiction grows, these dangerous choices become more frequent.
9. Trouble Sleeping
Addiction can disrupt natural sleep. Some people may stay awake for long periods, while others may sleep a lot more than usual. Either situation can indicate that drugs are involved.
10. Loss of Interest in Activities
Hobbies, sports, and community events that used to be enjoyable may suddenly seem unimportant. In Smithfield, where people often participate in local sports, enjoy campus life at Bryant University, or attend town events, withdrawing from these activities can indicate that something is wrong.
11. Defensive Reactions
If someone becomes angry or overly defensive whenever the subject of drugs or behavior changes comes up, it may be a sign they’re hiding something. This defensiveness often grows stronger as addiction takes hold.
12. Withdrawal Symptoms
When a person cannot get drugs, they may experience withdrawal. This can cause shaking, sweating, nausea, anxiety, and agitation. These physical and emotional symptoms make it harder for them to stop using drugs on their own.
This is where an outpatient drug addiction treatment comes to the rescue!
Why Outpatient Drug Addiction Treatment Matters?
Recognizing the signs is only the first step. The next is knowing that help is available, and that you don’t have to leave your life behind to get it.
For many in Smithfield, the outpatient drug addiction treatment at Rhode Island Addiction Treatment Centers is the best option.
Outpatient care allows people to:
- Keep working or going to school while attending treatment.
- Stay close to family and continue caring for loved ones.
- Balance daily responsibilities without stepping away completely.
These programs provide flexibility without sacrificing quality. With outpatient care, you can:
- Join therapy sessions during the week.
- Participate in group meetings for peer support.
- Attend medical check-ins as needed.
- Go home each day to stay connected to your community.
This approach helps people stay grounded in their lives while working toward recovery.
Support from Rhode Island Addiction Treatment Centre
At Rhode Island Addiction Treatment Centre, we understand that every recovery journey is different.
Our outpatient drug addiction treatment programs for Smithfield residents include:
- One-on-one counseling to address personal challenges.
- Group therapy to provide support and encouragement from others.
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to help reduce cravings and relieve withdrawal symptoms when necessary.
- Dual diagnosis support for people dealing with both addiction and mental health issues.
Our team works closely with each person to create a plan that fits their life, their goals, and their recovery needs.
Choose Hope and Healing
If you recognize a few or more of these signs in yourself or someone you care about, don’t wait! Addiction doesn’t get better on its own, but with help, recovery is possible.
Smithfield families deserve hope, and our outpatient drug addiction treatment offers a path forward. You don’t have to leave your daily life to get better; with the right treatment program, you can do both.
Contact Rhode Island Addiction Treatment Centre today to learn more about our treatment programs for Smithfield residents.
Recovery starts with one simple step: asking for help!