 Overdose is a tragic reality for many who relapse after being in recovery. Maybe you have spent years watching the one you love to move in and out of treatment centers and finally felt as if they could stay sober this time. When someone’s past has been filled with drug use, they build up a tolerance in their system. The amount needed to get high is much greater overtime.
When relapse occurs after months or years of sobriety, the addict’s memory and habit of the amount they used before they got clean is the same amount of the drug they return to. The overload in their system which has been clean from the drug is overtaken by the powerful deadly dose. The brain is greatly impacted by the overdose and is unable to fire correct signals to help the body remember to breath which can tragically take the life of the one we love. Overdose by those in recovery is accidental and usually not by choice. If you live with someone who is in recovery, keep Naloxone in your home which reverses overdose and is saving lives.  Is someone in your life displaying odd behavior? Are you finding items in your home which appear as if someone tried to hide them and they are out of place? Do you feel a little crazy trying to understand if substance abuse could be the reason and would like some help? You are not alone and will find some answers in this article. Here are the top 10 signs that will signal substance abuse and possible Substance Use Disorder. A helpful tip for you to remember: If you find an item in your home and not sure what it might be for, search the name of the item you have found along with "drug use" on the internet. Many times you can find explanations and even images how items relate to drug use. These website sites are full of information and have 24 hour numbers you can call for help or questions. SMAHSA and Drug Abuse.
Usually more than one sign from the above list is present to signal substance abuse or Substance Use Disorder/disease of addiction. Maybe your are shaking your head yes to finding or seeing these signs displayed by someone in your life or someone you live with. Please do not wait, turn away or be silent. Open healthy discussion, be willing to listen, calmly ask questions and have a third party present to hear and offer solutions. See the suggestions below to help offer solutions for the person of concern and for yourself while understanding and dealing with this troubling situation. This possible reality of Substance Use Disorder is life threatening and your loved one could find themselves with legal troubles and spending time behind bars.
 It is extremely important for all parents to educate themselves about drugs and share the information with their young kids. Drug awareness and education can prevent substance abuse and even save lives. Family planning is knowing how to keep our kids healthy and safe therefore, family discussion about drugs and alcohol should be included. Too many kids will not know how to avoid trying drugs, synthetic/designer drugs or avoid prescription drug abuse because they did not have a plan for themselves or are unable to recognize drugs. For some kids, trying a drug a few times can began their battle with Substance Use Disorder. If parents do not teach and discuss drugs with their young kids, how are kids supposed to plan to stay substance free and be ready to face a drug filled world? It is never to early or too late to start discussing drugs and drug abuse as a family.
Many parents believe if they tell their kids about drugs and educate them, they will want to try drugs but this is not true. Kids will be curious but early drug education can reduce risk taking and poor decision making for many. Some kids are more curious than others and will risk trying drugs anyway despite the dangers they know. Being a drug educated parent will help you recognize the early signs of substance use and allow you to seek help early for your kid. "Just say no" is not working and should be replaced with, "The more they know the better they can grow." |
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