Many people enjoy outdoor recreation and sports. From mountain climbing and hiking to swimming and playing tennis, the number of activities and recreational opportunities that are available to individuals is near limitless.
But, unfortunately, it just doesn't work that way. People looking for a buzz or an escape rarely TRULY understand what they are getting themselves into. They think, "Addictions are for other people. I am in control." Nice try - addictions will capture anyone who dips their toes in the drug pond. If you are afraid that maybe a loved one has already breached the line, here are some signs that can help you confirm their addiction:
The more you know, the better equipped you'll be to cope and move forward into the future. Begin your research with websites like medical websites and keep your eyes out for organizations like AA or 12-step programs-those organizations are there to help people like you get through problems and the many small challenges you face each day of recovery. Whether you're the one recovering or the one offering support to a loved one, you will be able to deal with the physical and emotional effects resulting from your addiction.
Being stressed or, conversely, being bored are triggers for many people to act on their addiction. The action of recreation, far beyond simply being pleasurable, gets recovering individuals into the habit of turning to activity rather than their addiction when feeling stressed or bored. In this way, recreational therapy professionals are able to steer the stress or boredom of people who are recovering from addictions into productive and fun channels of action. The goal of most recreational therapy programs is to promote fun and sober activities, instill hope into those who have lost it through providing an improved quality of life, and offer outlets for additive behavior into areas of recreational activity.
Keep all your options open if you're looking into this route. You might consider a detox or rehabilitation center near you-especially if previous attempts at recovery haven't gone well. You might also search out local anonymous support groups like AA or NarcAnon. Talking to other people can help you sort through your thoughts and find the logical fallacies you might be clinging to. If working with an anonymous group isn't enough, you might also consider the help of a professional therapist. Most psychologists and social workers have experience helping people recover from addiction, and are able to prescribe the best course of action for someone in recovery. If you're the one trying to support your loved one, encourage them to seek help. Don't ignore the situation, because odds are that it will only get worse. You will have to walk a fine line, though-your loved one struggling with addiction must want to change. They can't make a lasting change in their life unless they're totally committed to it.
Basically, any extreme behavioral change in any direction may be an indicator of drug addiction. This could be excessive carelessness, anger, mood swings, depression, euphoria, over-sensitivity, and so on. These mood swings/alterations will usually lead to self-isolation and a degradation of relationships. This includes family relationships, friendships, and professional relationships. It is not uncommon for them to start skipping school or work, being late or keeping odd schedules.
Another consequence of these behavioral changes is a lack of interest in things that they used to really enjoy. Once the drug takes top tier on the survival pyramid, nothing else will matter except getting the next fix. This could lead them to steal, lie, lock themselves in their rooms, and avoid conversations about their behaviors. One of the most obvious drug abuse signs is finding physical evidence of drug use. Many drugs require tools for consumption - needles, burnt spoons, rolled paper, razors, broken glass, pipes, lighters, and so on. If you find any of these, there is a very good chance that drug abuse is happening.
While many people see playing their favorite sport as simply a fun activity, those who are struggling with overcoming addiction can find relief from their burdens by enrolling themselves in a recreational therapy program and start down the path to recovery.
But, unfortunately, it just doesn't work that way. People looking for a buzz or an escape rarely TRULY understand what they are getting themselves into. They think, "Addictions are for other people. I am in control." Nice try - addictions will capture anyone who dips their toes in the drug pond. If you are afraid that maybe a loved one has already breached the line, here are some signs that can help you confirm their addiction:
The more you know, the better equipped you'll be to cope and move forward into the future. Begin your research with websites like medical websites and keep your eyes out for organizations like AA or 12-step programs-those organizations are there to help people like you get through problems and the many small challenges you face each day of recovery. Whether you're the one recovering or the one offering support to a loved one, you will be able to deal with the physical and emotional effects resulting from your addiction.
Being stressed or, conversely, being bored are triggers for many people to act on their addiction. The action of recreation, far beyond simply being pleasurable, gets recovering individuals into the habit of turning to activity rather than their addiction when feeling stressed or bored. In this way, recreational therapy professionals are able to steer the stress or boredom of people who are recovering from addictions into productive and fun channels of action. The goal of most recreational therapy programs is to promote fun and sober activities, instill hope into those who have lost it through providing an improved quality of life, and offer outlets for additive behavior into areas of recreational activity.
Keep all your options open if you're looking into this route. You might consider a detox or rehabilitation center near you-especially if previous attempts at recovery haven't gone well. You might also search out local anonymous support groups like AA or NarcAnon. Talking to other people can help you sort through your thoughts and find the logical fallacies you might be clinging to. If working with an anonymous group isn't enough, you might also consider the help of a professional therapist. Most psychologists and social workers have experience helping people recover from addiction, and are able to prescribe the best course of action for someone in recovery. If you're the one trying to support your loved one, encourage them to seek help. Don't ignore the situation, because odds are that it will only get worse. You will have to walk a fine line, though-your loved one struggling with addiction must want to change. They can't make a lasting change in their life unless they're totally committed to it.
Basically, any extreme behavioral change in any direction may be an indicator of drug addiction. This could be excessive carelessness, anger, mood swings, depression, euphoria, over-sensitivity, and so on. These mood swings/alterations will usually lead to self-isolation and a degradation of relationships. This includes family relationships, friendships, and professional relationships. It is not uncommon for them to start skipping school or work, being late or keeping odd schedules.
Another consequence of these behavioral changes is a lack of interest in things that they used to really enjoy. Once the drug takes top tier on the survival pyramid, nothing else will matter except getting the next fix. This could lead them to steal, lie, lock themselves in their rooms, and avoid conversations about their behaviors. One of the most obvious drug abuse signs is finding physical evidence of drug use. Many drugs require tools for consumption - needles, burnt spoons, rolled paper, razors, broken glass, pipes, lighters, and so on. If you find any of these, there is a very good chance that drug abuse is happening.
While many people see playing their favorite sport as simply a fun activity, those who are struggling with overcoming addiction can find relief from their burdens by enrolling themselves in a recreational therapy program and start down the path to recovery.
About the Author:
At Recovery Ways , our mission is to provide the most cost-effective, accessible substance abuse treatment to as many people as possible in the Utah area. We are committed to an integrated quality of care that is comprehensive, person-centered and recovery-focused. We strive to exceed patient and community expectations in every life we touch.
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