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Most addicts adamantly deny to themselves and
to others that they are addicted. Often, they are convinced
that they can stop they substance abuse at will. As the addiction
becomes more controlling and as they become more aware of their
dependence, addicts often begin to go great lengths to conceal
their conditions. |
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Family members can sometimes contribute to the
denial of addiction by closing their eyes to what are often
clear signals that something is very wrong. Acknowledging the
addiction of a close friend or relative is a painful experience,
but the step in any attempt to help a drug user is recognizing
the signs of possible addictions. |
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Questions to ask |
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Here are some questions to ask yourself if you
suspect someone that you know may be using drugs: |
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1.
Are they any major changes in behaviour? Is the person more
irritable than usual? Does he or she have "temper tantrums"?
Is there unusual indifference or apathy?
2.
Does the person want to be alone more than usual? Does he
or she spend inordinate amounts of time isolated from the
rest of the family?
3. Does the person spend more time away from home? |
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4. Does the person have a great deal less
money than one would expect? |
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5.
Are there telephone calls at odd hours?
6. Are there major changes in friends?
7. Is there a dramatic change of performance on the
job or at school?
8.
Is there money, gold and things of value missing from the
house?
9. Has there been a change in energy levels: listlessness,
fatigue, etc.?
10. Has there been a change in eating habits?
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None of these signals in isolation suggests that
anyone is addicted to drugs. However, if the answer to a number
of these questions were "yes", it would be wise to consider
the possibility that drugs may be part of the picture. If this
is the case, the next step should certainly be treatment of
the addiction. |
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Taken from the book "Drugs The
Sinking Rock" by Ansel Watts
Promoted Nation Builders Network Int'l |
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Information provided courtesy
of Nation Builders Network Int'l |
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