When is it time for an Intervention?

Addiction is a deadly disease, but with early intervention it is a treatable disease.

Because a person doesn't have to use drugs or drink alcohol every day to have a problem, it's often difficult to recognize the signs of drug and alcohol addiction. This checklist of common alcohol and drug abuse symptoms can help you identify the signs of addiction, determine if a friend or loved one is having a problem with addiction, and if an intervention is needed. Please remember that even if a person shows any of the following signs and symptoms, it does not necessarily mean that they have a drug or alcohol addiction. The presence of some of these symptoms could relate to stress, depression or other problems which may or may not be related to substance abuse.

According to the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, the purpose of a substance abuse intervention is to help the person to recognize the sign of addiction, take the steps necessary to address the addiction, and lead them to the help they need. In the area of intervention, Brighton Hospital works closely specialists trained in alcohol and drug abuse intervention. If you are planning an intervention for addiction, or need to be referred to a intervention specialist , please call a Brighton Hospital Customer Service Representative at 1-877-976-2371 to provide the necessary information for a chemical dependency/addiction assessment. Representatives are available from 8 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m. weekends. We can make arrangements for an on-site intervention and/or schedule an addiction assessment.

For more information on recognizing the signs of addiction and how to determine if an intervention is needed, please visit Love First, one of many informative sites dealing with the topic of drug abuse intervention.

• Observable signs of deteriorating personal hygiene
• Multiple physical symptoms and complaints
• Accidents
• Personality and behavioral changes
• Many drug prescriptions for self and family
• Frequent emotional crises
• Behavior excused by family and friends
• Activities involving drinking alcohol are a priority
• Arguments/violent outbursts
• Sexual problems
• Extramarital affairs
• Withdrawal from and fragmentation of family
• Neglect of children
• Abnormal, illegal, anti-social actions of children
• Separation or divorce
• Unexplained absences from home

Medical and Physical Symptoms of Substance Abuse

• Observable decline in physical health
• Signs of weight change
• Pupils either dilated or constricted; face flushed/bloated
• Emergency-room treatments such as drug or alcohol overdose, unexplained injuries, symptoms of migraine headaches, auto accidents
• Claims of having been "mugged" but without witnesses
• Inability to focus and track in a conversation
• Signs of shakiness, tremors of hands
• Slurred speech
• Unsteady gait
• Constant runny nose
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

Addiction Symptoms Observed by Friends and Community

• Noticeable signs of becoming personally isolated
• Embarrassing behavior
• Driving while under the influence of alcohol or a drug
• Legal problems
• Neglect of social commitments
• Unpredictable behavior such as inappropriate spending

Workplace Signs of Addiction

• Signs of workaholic behavior
• Disorganized schedule
• Decreased workload or workload intolerance
• Signs of poor work performance
• Alcohol on breath with attempts to cover with mints or mouthwash
• Frequent unexplained absences or prolonged breaks
• Tardiness or leaving work early
• Withdrawal from professional committees or organizations
• Defensive if questioned or confronted
• Poor judgment
• Observed occurrences of drug or alcohol intoxication, drowsiness or hypersensitivity during work hours
• Deadlines barely met or missed altogether
• Frequent job changes or relocation
• Avoiding supervisor or other co-workers