How does drug addiction start in Virginia?  Did you friend or family member just decide one day that they wanted to become an addict? Probably not.  Drug addictions happens over time, usually with experimenting here and there in social situations.  As time passes, an individual may feel the need to use more of a drug to get their desired high, and soon an individual may need the drug to simply feel “good.”

Mental health plays a critical role in addiction.  Individuals will often experiment with drugs or alcohol in order to escape their current life, their current trauma or the anxiety and depression they may feel.  When this happens, coming down from that high brings them back to their reality that they do not want to face.

In Virginia, 7.0% of youth have a substance abuse disorder and 14.5% of adults suffer with a substance use disorder.  This can certainly impact the friends and family of an addict.  When we see this happen to a loved one, we can try to do everything we can to help. But sometimes, our unconditional love simply isn’t enough.  There is often times trust lost, boundaries broken and financial strains.

Physical signs and symptoms of recent use include:

• Feeling of exhilaration and excess confidence
• Increased alertness
• Increased energy and restlessness
• Behavior changes or aggression
• Rapid or rambling speech
• Dilated pupils
• Delusions and hallucinations
• Irritability or changes in mood

If some of these symptoms resonate with a friend or family member, it may be time to consider getting support through addiction counseling.

As a therapist certified in substance abuse therapy, I will address your symptoms that you may be experiencing as a result of a friend or loved ones use.  Together, we can develop boundaries to implement, coping skills to utilize and gain knowledge to understand what your person may be experiencing.

Please reach out if you would like to set up a free 15-minute consultation to discuss how therapy can assist you.

Al-Anon Resources in the Virginia area include:

Al-Anon in the Greater Richmond Area: https://www.alanonrichmond.org/

Al-Anon in Northern VA: https://alanonva.com/

Al-Anon in Fredericksburg, VA: https://alanonfredva.org/meeting-list