Two men traveling in the same car can pass a highway sign that one sees and the other misses. The same is true for signs of health threats from substance use. You may spot a sign of trouble quickly in others but miss the same signs in your own life and behavior. So today, let’s list 10 signs commonly seen in men who need rehab for drug or alcohol use.
Many types of behavior can be signs a man needs substance use treatment. It can be taking risks while under the influence or neglecting his responsibilities at work and home. It can appear as criminal charges for driving under the influence or property damage. Other changes to behavior may include drinking more due to a higher tolerance and spending less time with family members who distance themselves. Rehab for men who are experiencing any or all of these common signs right now is available.
1. RESPONSIBILITIES AS A SIGN
How you treat your responsibilities can be a clue about potential substance use issues. Neglecting duties at work, at school, or at home is a sign you’ve lost sight of priorities. Handling these responsibilities can be what keeps you moving ahead and staying self-reliant. The impact of drug and alcohol use can lead to missing work, being ineffective at work or school, and skipping bill, car, or rent payments.
2. RISK-TAKING AS A SIGN
Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is one risk you may hear a lot about. There are many other ways risky behavior may appear, too. Risk-taking involves anything that could be a threat to your safety. Think about any choices you’ve made when drinking and feeling unusually bold and adventurous. If it’s something you wouldn’t ever do when sober, it could be a sign of self-destruction and not courage.
3. CRIMINAL CHARGES AS A SIGN
Problems with the law stemming from your substance use can be a sign you’re needing help. You may have faced charges for drinking and driving and property damage or been convicted. It doesn’t have to escalate to the level of police and court involvement. A smaller version of this same behavior could be getting kicked out of a bar or banned from a late-night diner for rowdy behavior.
4. FAMILY CONCERN AS A SIGN
Your frequent drug use may elicit some comments from family and friends who are concerned about your well-being. When they mention it to you, it may be well after they first noticed an issue. It can be awkward and uncomfortable to talk directly to a loved one about their substance use. So, if they’re bringing it up, it’s likely they’re seeing signs it’s getting worse.
5. FAMILY DISCONNECTION AS A SIGN
If you ignore a family member’s concern about your drinking or drug use, you may find they begin to distance themselves from you. They may avoid you by staying away or not returning your calls. If you do connect, the conversation may feel less personal as they try to avoid what they see as a problem for you.
6. HIGHER TOLERANCE AS A SIGN
For alcohol users, drinking more over time to get the same feeling is common. A few drinks a night may eventually become a few in an hour when you go out. It may seem acceptable and even encouraged by your drinking friends. But, a higher tolerance and a craving for more drinks when you’re out is a sign that alcohol is controlling you.
7. CHANGES IN DRUG USE AS A SIGN
Changes in drug use can look like taking more at one time or using more often in a week. This behavior is a clue your drug use has escalated for a reason you may not be aware of yet. Like higher tolerance for drinkers, the more frequent use of illegal drugs is a clear sign your problem is progressing beyond your control.
8. AVOIDING WITHDRAWAL AS A SIGN
Going through withdrawal can be difficult, and you don’t tend to forget that troubling experience. You may want to quit using but feel distressed over experiencing the negative effects of withdrawal. So, you reach the point where continuing to use substances feels inevitable to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
9. PREOCCUPATION WITH DRUGS AS A SIGN
Does this describe your week? You’re either using drugs, getting drugs, or thinking about getting and using drugs. This kind of preoccupation with substances are a sign they are very much in control of your life. Even when you’re not using, you’re putting energy into how you’ll get high next. It’s an endless cycle until you make a decision to interrupt it with new thoughts and behaviors.
10. CHANGE IN LIFESTYLE ACTIVITIES AS A SIGN
The activities that once brought you pleasure could be ones you did solo, such as working out, riding your bike, or gaming. They could be ones where you shared time with friends, playing darts or pool perhaps. These were moments you cherished and looked forward to before substance use started taking over.
Every man may not experience every sign in this list, of course. What’s important is being able to measure how drug or alcohol use has changed your life. It’s the amount you drink at once or how many times you drink during the week. It’s also measured in the distance between you and the people or things you care about. Drug rehab for men is available when these signs become obvious to you and the people around you.
Origins Recovery Center is a well-known care provider offering a range of treatment programs targeting the recovery from substance use, mental health issues, and beyond. Our primary mission is to provide a clear path to a life of healing and restoration. We offer renown clinical care for addiction and have the compassion and professional expertise to guide you toward lasting sobriety. For information on our programs, call us today: 844-232-3833.
