When you’re feeling under the weather, you go to the doctor. You tell the doctor that you have had a dull headache for two days and just recently began to feel achy. The doctor runs some tests and discovers that you have a low-grade fever and an elevated white blood cell (WBC) count. Based on your signs and symptoms, the doctor diagnoses you with the flu.
In medicine, signs and symptoms are essential to determining the cause of an ailment or injury. A sign refers to something that a healthcare professional can see or can measure. In the example above, the low-grade fever and elevated white blood count would be signs. A symptom refers to something that can’t be seen or measured and usually refers to what the patient is feeling. In this example, you can categorize the achy feeling as a symptom. Ultimately, these two components help doctors reach a diagnosis and help them determine the proper treatment.
Just like every other disease, we characterize addiction by a set of signs and symptoms. Unlike other illnesses, addiction usually goes unnoticed by the one suffering from it. Instead, family and friends are generally the ones that begin to notice changes in their loved ones. That’s why it’s essential to understand the difference between periodic bouts of moodiness and the more troubling signs and symptoms of addiction.
Various substances, such as heroin and alcohol, influence the body in different ways and consequently exhibit differing signs and symptoms. Ultimately, a loved may or may not display all of the following signs and symptoms of addiction. Therefore, it’s vital to seek the expertise of healthcare professionals if you are worried that someone you love is struggling with addiction or substance abuse.
In cases of substance abuse, personal hygiene and physical well-being can be the first, apparent sign of a problem. A loved one may begin to look sloppier and disheveled as they become less concerned with their overall appearance. Additionally, you may notice changes in their daily routine, including their sleeping and eating habits.
It’s also important to pay attention to changes in their body, which can also be an indicator of substance abuse. Signs may include bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils, or unexplained injuries on their bodies. In some cases, abuse can lead to shaking, tremors, or even seizures.
Lastly, you might notice unexplained mood swings in your loved one. To conceal their abuse, they might isolate themselves from you and others, and might begin to avoid social interactions. At this point, they may be so obsessed with ensuring that they have drugs and/or alcohol, they will sacrifice or steal anything to get it.
If you see these symptoms of addiction, reach out to San Antonio Recovery Center. We have the experience you need to fight the trap of addiction. We offer addiction treatment programs for a variety of addictions, including:
Like cancer, early detection of substance abuse provides a better prospect for long-term recovery. By understanding the signs and symptoms of addiction, early detection is possible.
San Antonio Recovery Center in San Antonio, Texas (TX) is the leading alcohol & drug rehab program in Texas. We specialize in providing individualized care for young adults to seniors. We accept in-network benefits, so we are quite affordable. Call us today at 866.957.7885.
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