Recognizing the signs that indicate your loved one is battling an addiction or mental health disorder can be crucial to getting them the help they need. If you suspect that a loved one may need mental health or addiction treatment, there are certain signs to look for to verify your concerns. This review discusses the signs that indicate a need for treatment from a recovery center, the types of conditions a recovery center can treat and insights on how to encourage a loved one to get the care they need.
Conditions That A Recovery Center Can Help Treat
A recovery center can treat a range of conditions related to addiction and mental health. Notable types of conditions that a recovery center can help treat include:
- Drug use disorder
- Alcohol addiction
- Post-traumatic stress
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Gambling addiction
- Eating disorder
The goal of most treatment centers is to help the patient identify the underlying reasons the condition exists, including changes in lifestyle or hereditary factors, and over time learn ways to cope and overcome the condition. Recovery centers typically offer a range of treatment options, such as individual therapy (i.e. CBT, psychotherapy), group therapy (i.e. peer and family counseling), medication and more. Treatment typically involves a combination of treatment options.
Common Signs That Indicate A Need For Recovery Treatment
Many with an addiction or mental health condition work hard to hide any signs that may indicate that they have a problem. Subsequently, recognizing the signs is not always easy, although they are often there even if subtle. There are four primary categories for awareness if you suspect a loved one is struggling, which include physical symptoms, social issues, relationship trouble and lifestyle changes.
Physical Symptoms
The symptoms of addiction can be severe or subtle. Physical symptoms are particularly common with drug or alcohol use. In general, the most common physical symptoms displayed that suggest a need for treatment include:
- High tolerance of a substance
- Unexplained weight loss
- Odors from drugs or covering up drug use
- Skin complications
- Dilated pupils/red eyes
- Changes in physical activity
- Stomach complications
The physical symptoms are specific to the condition you suspect your loved one is struggling with. For example, the physical symptoms of drug addiction may include weight loss and loss of coordination, whereas the symptoms of a mental health condition or behavioral concern may include unexplained cuts and irregular eating patterns.
Social Issues
Having an active social life is often important for maintaining good oral health and avoiding addiction. Often, those who are dealing with mental health issues or addiction exhibit the following social signs:
- Neglecting personal responsibilities
- Unwillingness to interact with others
- Getting into legal trouble
- Engaging in physical altercations
- Showing a sense of apathy around others
- A desire to be alone
If one or more of these signs are displayed, then consider determining the cause. It may be as simple as talking to the individual about the concern, and the benefits of a recovery center if needed. However, unresolved issues that extend for a prolonged period of time will likely require treatment from a professional.
Relationship Trouble
Addiction and mental health complications not only affect the individual, but they affect those that are closest to them as well, including family members, close friends and their significant other. Common relationship problems that indicate a possible need for treatment from a recovery center include:
- Verbal or physical abuse
- Unexplained marital problems
- Neglecting important friendships
- Avoiding family functions
- Inability to connect with others
Of course, relationship trouble in itself does not indicate a need for treatment. However, unexplained relationship trouble or relationship problems that exist along with physical and emotional changes could indicate a more serious underlying concern that requires professional support and treatment.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes are common among those who are going through a difficult time in their life, particularly as it relates to drug addiction, alcohol addiction or a mental health disorder such as depression, anxiety or PTSD. Lifestyle changes that may suggest a more serious underlying condition requiring professional treatment include:
- Engaging in risky behaviors
- Spending large sums of money
- Skipping class or work regularly
- Spending a lot of time isolated
- Changes in exercise routines
Identifying lifestyle changes in the early stages is important to reduce the risk of the individual’s actions having a lasting impact after they receive the care that they need.
Discuss Treatment Options With Our Recovery Center Today
Contact Aquila Recovery Clinic today if you or a loved one is struggling to overcome an addiction or signs of a mental health condition. We believe everyone should be able to enjoy each day free from struggle, and we take great pride in helping our patients improve their mental health through addiction and mental health treatment.