Substance abuse: how to spot it and where to find help

Substance abuse can change a person’s mood, sleep, work and money fast. If you’re worried about yourself or someone close, clear steps help more than panic. Here are practical signs to watch for, what to do in an emergency, treatment paths that work, and ways families can offer real support without enabling harmful habits.

Recognize the signs

Behavior shifts are the biggest clue: missing work or school, secretive actions, sudden new friends, or losing interest in hobbies. Physical signs include bloodshot eyes, sudden weight change, poor hygiene, tremors, or unexplained sores. Watch mood and thinking—irritability, confusion, memory gaps or slowed reactions can point to drug or alcohol problems. Financial warning signs include borrowing money often or selling belongings to pay for use.

No single sign proves addiction, but patterns matter. Note frequency, how use affects daily life, and whether the person keeps using despite trouble. Those details guide how urgent the response should be.

How to get help and treatment

If you see an overdose—unconsciousness, slow or no breathing, blue lips—call emergency services at once and use naloxone if it’s available. For non-emergencies, start with a primary care clinic, community health center, or local hospital. Medical staff can assess withdrawal risk and advise safe next steps.

Treatment usually mixes medical care and counseling. Medically supervised detox keeps withdrawal safe. Talk therapy—like cognitive behavioral therapy—helps change thinking and coping skills. For opioid dependence, medication-assisted treatments (methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone) reduce cravings and lower risk. Combining medicine with counseling and social support works best for many people.

Look for local support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, or community peer groups. If cost or transport is a problem, ask clinics about sliding scale fees, outreach services, or online therapy and support meetings.

Families can help without making things worse. Set clear boundaries: don’t give money for drugs, insist on treatment steps if you continue to provide support, and offer to attend appointments. Avoid blaming language—focus on safety and small, measurable steps like attending one clinic visit or starting counselling.

Prevention and harm reduction matter too. Keep prescription meds locked, teach teens about risks, and promote healthy habits—sleep, exercise, social connections. Where available, harm reduction services (clean needle programs, naloxone distribution, safe-use information) reduce deaths and give people a route to care when stopping isn’t yet possible.

Need local help? Contact your nearest hospital, public health office, or search online for “addiction services near me.” If you’re in doubt, a single phone call to a clinic can point you to free resources, emergency care, or nearby support groups. Asking for help is a strong first step toward recovery.