Three Signs You May Need Substance Use Treatment

Substance use and abuse is a common problem, though it often goes undiagnosed, underreported, and/or untreated. In fact, one of the major barriers to getting help for substance abuse is simply not recognizing or acknowledging when it’s needed. At Health Services of North Texas (HSNT), our dedicated, caring teams of providers in Denton and Plano, TX are committed to helping patients break free from addiction and regain control of their life, health, and happiness with an array of substance use treatment services and referrals through our integrated model of behavioral care. If you suspect that you or a loved one may have a substance use problem, review three common signs that substance abuse treatment may be needed in the blog below.

Am I an addict?

There are many classic signs, symptoms, and behaviors associated with addiction, but these can vary from person to person, making it difficult to know from the outside who may have an addiction problem. In some cases, addiction is overtly obvious and greatly interferes with a person’s appearance and ability to function in normal settings, while other addicts are considered high functioning and are able to hold down jobs and relationships that make it less clear to others that they may be struggling with addiction. If you think you may have a substance use problem or an addiction, talk with your doctor about your options for diagnosis and treatment.

Three signs that it’s time to get help for your addiction

Even though addiction and substance use or abuse can present differently from person to person, there are three important signs to watch for that may mean substance use treatment is warranted:

1. Changes in appearance: Whether associated with physical side effects of the substance itself or a lack of attention to personal hygiene and appearance, many patients with substance use problems start to look different. This may mean:

• Weight loss or gain
• Unkempt appearance, including poor hygiene and dirty, wrinkled clothing
• Strong or foul odor
• Decayed or damaged teeth
• Dull, worn, or broken-out complexion
• Aged appearance

2. Changes in mental health or behaviors: Many people who are struggling with addiction or substance abuse begin to act erratically, show signs of depression or anxiety, or begin pulling away from their friends and loved ones.

3. Inability to manage responsibilities: Another very common sign of a growing problem with substance use is losing control of responsibilities, whether at work, at home, or with finances, and otherwise. This may include being late to meetings or picking up children, forgetting scheduled appointments, mismanaging money, and even losing a job.

If you, a friend, a loved one, or a colleague is displaying any of these three signs of addiction (or others), it may be time to seek help through professional substance use treatment.

Regain the life you deserve with substance use treatment in Denton, TX and Collin County

When substance use begins to interfere with your work, health, family, happiness, and other aspects of your life, treatment can help you get back on track, prevent a relapse, and restore your ability to enjoy all that life has to offer once again. Take the first step toward freedom from substance use today by contacting Health Services of North Texas in Denton, Wylie, or Plano, TX to schedule your discreet consultation for integrated behavioral substance use treatment with our team of experts and partners.

To schedule an appointment with Health Services of North Texas, click here.