A few words from the Director Addiction affects millions of people every year, with 69 percent of Americans reporting that they know someone who struggles with alcohol or drugs. In 2006, 22.6 million people 12 or older (9,2 percent of the population) were living with a substance use disorder in the past year, making it more common that coronary heart disease. The following are the physical and behavioral signs to watch for. Physical symptoms ■ Any changes in eating habits; unexplained weight loss or gain ■ Red, watery eyes; pupils larger or smaller than usual; blank stare ■ Inability to sleep; awake at unusual times; unusual laziness ■ Cold, sweaty palms; hands shaking ■ Puffy face; blushing; paleness ■ Smell of substance on breath, body, or clothes ■ Extreme hyperactivity; excessive talkativeness ■ Nausea; vomiting; excessive sweating Behavioral symptoms ■ Change in overall attitude/personality with no other identifiable cause ■ Changes in friends; new hang-outs; sudden avoidance of old crowd; reluctance to talk about new friends; associating with known drug users ■ Change in activities or hobbies ■ Change in habits at home; loss of interest in family and family activities ■ General lack of motivation, energy, and self-esteem; an "I don't care" attitude ■ Moodiness; irritability; nervousness ■ Silliness; giddiness; paranoia ■ Secretive or suspicious behavior ■ Chronic dishonesty ■ Unexplained need for money, or stealing money or items |
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| A Christian Ministry For Young Men & Women Seeking Recovery From Substance Abuse |
