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Almost any given person will at some point in their life have to deal with a friend or family member who is addicted to drugs or alcohol, since about 1 in 10 people have an addiction problem. So how do you know if someone you know is struggling with addiction? Here are some signs to look for if you believe you know someone who is struggling with addiction.

You may observe your loved one seems to be sneaking around more often, or it might seem as though she is hiding something from you. Addicts often try to disguise or hide drinking and drug use from others because it is embarrassing how much is being used. You might find an unusual stash of alcohol in your friend’s house, or she might come to a party after already drinking to keep secret how much she is actually drinking. If you notice your friend trying to mislead you in this way, talk to her. It may help her move toward a treatment regimen for her addiction.

Your friend used to be well dressed and put together, but lately you have found she seems to have just roll out of bed and does not really care about the way she presents herself to others. At this point, the person has only begun to think about one thing: drinking alcohol or taking drugs. When she begins to be consumed by drinking or taking drugs, many other necessities are forgotten about, such as cleanliness and one’s presentation to others. However, others might begin to wear more makeup to try to hide the effects of the alcohol or drugs has on her appearance. She may begin to wear more makeup to hide the bags under her eyes because she just pulled an all nighter. Even though she is not trying to show the effects of her addiction, the drugs may have so overwhelmed her life, that she can no longer hide the effects. Again, acknowledge the decline in appearance to your friend, and you may be able to break through to her to get her to get her the help she needs.

Your loved one appears to no longer be the responsible person she once was, but instead is just trying to get through the day to her next use. She might begin to show up late to work because she is recovering from last night’s hangover, or she may not show up to class because she is not feeling good due to all the drugs she has consumed. She might be sent home from work or school because she comes in drunk of high. Instead of making good grades, she is now failing the majority of their classes. If you notice a lack of responsibility in your friend, it is probably a good idea to talk to her about getting treatment for her alcohol or drug problem.

You recognize your friend has been isolating himself from others when he was previously quite social. He is no longer interested in activities he used to enjoy. He prefers to only hang out with those who use like he currently does. Talk to your friend about the isolation in hopes of opening his eyes of what his substance abuse is doing to him.

Have you noticed your friend is having more unexplainable financial issues than she had previously? Maybe she asks you to borrow money for things she should be able to pay for on her own. If you realize these things are happening with your friend, talk to her, and explain you are willing to help as long as she seeks treatment for her addiction.

When you ask your friend what he did the night before, but he cannot remember, it could be a sign of drinking too much or using too many drugs. It could be he drank too much or used too many drugs, blacked out and could not remember what he did last night. Perhaps he can remember part of the night, but he cannot recall everything that happened that night. These blackouts or lack of recollection can be a serious warning sign for substance abuse. If you are with the person when he is drinking or using, it is important to point out these instances to your friend to help him be more aware of how often and what behaviors he is exhibiting during these blackouts. Also, if you notice this lack of memory happens often, it would be good to talk to your friend about seeking help for his substance abuse problem.

You have noticed your friend has gained a tolerance for alcohol or a drug he has been using, which means they need more booze or more drugs in order to feel the same effect than previously used. A way you might detect this increased alcohol use is noticing he is buying more beer now than he formerly did. If you notice this happening, it might be a good idea to say something to your friend to figure out if he is suffering from a substance abuse problem.

You note signs of your friend’s mental health problems are declining. Perhaps, the person has had mental health issues all along, but now she seems to be getting worse. Alcohol and drugs are ways to self-medicate a problem, but with continued use, the substances can drastically impact a person’s mental health. If you realize your friend’s mental health problems are declining, but cannot explain why, talk to them in hopes to bring to light a substance abuse problem she may have.

Someone with an addiction is not likely to reach out for help. It is important for friends and family members who spot these signs to talk to friends with addictions and offer help. Listed above are signs to look for in an addict. Be sure to talk to your friend if you believe these signs are being exhibited.

When should you call time on your drug use? This question is one that should cause a lot of soul searching amongst regular drug users.

Let’s consider the origins of your current drug use, and then we will state some fairly harsh truths that need honest answers.

Recreational drug use – Those early days:

Take time out and think back to when you first tried an illegal substance. The circumstances and surroundings will differ depending on your location and surroundings at that time, but perhaps it was a toke on a spliff, a bullet of whizz ‘necked’, or maybe that visit to your first all-night party or Rave when you dropped an ‘E’.

For many millions of young people it is seen as a rite of passage. It is stepping up in life, being ‘grown up’ and it is undoubtedly both exciting and frightening at the same time.

Back then the world of drugs will have been a mysterious one for the novice taking their first tentative steps through its ‘welcoming’ doors, but one thing is for sure; this initial introduction to drugs will not be forgotten by the vast majority.

Why do so many try something that is clearly illegal?

There are many reasons. Curiosity and the relative ease of access are major factors. Then there is ‘peer pressure’.

Life can be tough during your teenage years and into early adulthood. Most young people want to fit in, to be associated with friends around their own age and if it happens that some of your more ‘influential’ peers are keen to sample illegal drugs then many are equally as keen to follow.

You want to be part of the group or ‘gang’. Many youngsters feel that saying ‘No’ to sampling drugs is tantamount to becoming an outcast within that group.

Thankfully as you grow and mature you begin to discover your own inner strength and are able to make decision based on what you feel is correct, not because you wish to curry favour from others.

Your decision not to continue experimentation with illegal substances, and to call time on your drug use before it has really begun is made for a strong reason.

You understand that by following the drug route it will lead to many more potential problems than any ‘benefits’ you could ever hope to receive.

What happens to those who develop a ‘taste’ for recreational drugs?

While a significant amount of young people experiment with some form of drug or another, many of these sensibly decide this is not something they wish to pursue. This decision will strengthen as their knowledge broadens on the devastating effects regular drug use can bring.

Unfortunately there are also a good percentage of people whose early experimentation with drugs continues. Gradually this extends and they move onto different drugs that initially give them higher ‘highs’ than previously experienced.

The problem with following such a path is that the new drugs they try are far more potent than they realise. They are also unaware of how quickly their mind and body accepts them.

This acceptance creates a dependence which requires larger, more regular doses just to achieve the same high as previously experienced.

The drugs merry-go-round is very easy to step on, but…..

Make no mistake, increasing regularity of use and the amount of drugs consumed is a ‘free entrance ticket’ onto the ever spinning drugs roundabout.

‘Friendly’ dealers will welcome you with open arms. They will be full of ’helpful’ suggestions regarding the colourful selection of illegal substances available. They will also enthuse about the cracking sensations and ‘pleasure’ each one offers.

Of course they will neglect to warn you that the selection of ‘goodies’ they have for sale contain devastatingly addictive properties which will quickly have you hooked.

This carousel may be very easy to get on, but with each turn it becomes more difficult to step off.

If you are aware your drug intake is creeping up in terms of regularity of use, or you are beginning to use ‘just a little bit more’ each time just to achieve that expected high then PLEASE call time on your drug use NOW.

DO NOT kid yourself that you can quit ’just like that’

Many regular users falsely believe they can stop using their drug(s) of choice as easily as they can turn a tap on and off. If only this were true.

What needs to be clearly reinforced is that regular drug use creates a dependency. Your body and your mind take to the drugs you are feeding them like a duck to water, but they do so at a price.

This price is that they are not satisfied with simply receiving the same amount at the same regular intervals, they need more of the same and they need it more regularly.

If you are a user that has progressed to this stage you will not be able to quit ’just like that’. To call time on your drug use at this stage requires the inclusion of professional drug rehab services.

So, where to next for those who continue to deny the fact that serious drug issues are now on their doorstep?

Next stop, a new ride at the drug ‘fairground’!

Continued and increased drug use will lead to dependence, dependence to addiction and a private seat will be yours on the drug roller-coaster.

Once you have ‘fed’ your habit you will be on the fast track up the rail and heading for those bright blue skies. Miss a dose or go too long without one and you will be plummeting down the even faster track to the gloomy depths of despair!

In denial – You are fooling yourself:

Users who know full well they have serious drug dependency issues generally have a standard response to such issues. This response is to deny the truth and then bury such thoughts under their next hit.

They will also continue to convince themselves that they are in control of their drugs use. The sad reality is that drugs are firmly in control of them.

You MUST overcome your self-denial and fear:

If you are to call time on your drug use before it is too late you MUST admit to yourself things have gone too far. You need to concede that this serious problem needs urgent attention, and you must also overcome a deep-seated fear.

This is the fear of how you will possibly survive without your regular supply of drugs.

While such fear is completely understandable, it cannot and should not prevent you from seeking urgent drug rehab assistance.

There are several options open to you. These include your health practitioner, registering with a local outpatient rehabilitation centre, or taking the sensible route that many addicts choose; a stay in a residential rehab establishment.

Whatever you do, DO SOMETHING!

It is imperative that you call time on your drug use before its potentially fatal effects call time on you. Harsh words indeed, but very true all the same.

Whichever drug rehab option and treatment you decide upon MUST be decided NOW.

You owe this to yourself and to those closest to you. They are going through untold anguish and deep concern over your addiction.

The professional help available can help you kick your habit. It also encourages you to plan for a future that is free from the shackles drug addiction brings with it.

How long do different drugs stay in your system? This is a question that has well-established ‘guideline’ answers, but with some important caveats.

When considering these timescales a variety of factors can affect the results. Some people may find different drugs leave their system more quickly than stated, others will retain signs of drug use for longer than the periods mentioned.

Here are just 4 variables that need to be taken into account:

Your metabolism:

Because everyone is different, this also means our metabolism differs. In simple terms some people have a slow metabolism where others have a fast one. Having a fast metabolism means your body uses things you put into it such as water, food or drugs more quickly than if you have a slow metabolism.

Fat or thin:

Those who are overweight can find that drugs may stay in their system longer than those who are classed as ‘normal’ weight for their height. This is because traces of the drug may become trapped in fatty tissue and lingering that bit longer.

On the other hand, those who are underweight could well have a faster metabolism and drugs may leave their system more quickly.

Hydration:

If you keep your body highly hydrated this can help expel traces of drugs more quickly, but do not take this as a given, and do not think it is a magic potion to remove traces of drugs more quickly.

While increased hydration often helps to dispel drugs at a faster rate it is not always the case.

The amount and frequency that drugs are used:

This is a major factor when asking the question: How long do different drugs stay in your system? Those who regularly use their drug of choice are building up a tolerance to that particular drug.

This means there is a good possibility the drug will linger in their system far longer than someone who is an occasional user. The quantity of drug consumed will also have a marked effect on how long it stays in your system.

Your current state of health and exercise regimen:

Those people who are in a good state of health and exercise regularly are more likely to clear drugs from their system quicker than those whose state of health is not so good and do no, or very little exercise at all.

No exact science:

While there are other factors to be taken into account it must be said that different drugs affect different people in different ways.

Bodily variables as well as frequency of use and the amount taken mean you cannot be certain when traces of a particular drug will leave your system.

How long do different drugs stay in your system – Accepted Data:

We will focus on 3 different categories in terms of drug testing. These are blood, urine and hair. The timescales in these examples mention blood and urine only.

Hair testing has a separate section below and it will quickly become apparent as to why!

In the main employers will use a urine or a hair test whereas the police will use blood testing on a frequent basis.

It is VERY IMPORTANT to understand these are guidelines only and results can vary.

Alcohol: will stay in your blood for around 10-12 hours and for 3-5 days in your urine.

Amphetamines: 12 hours in your blood and between 1-3 days in your urine.

Cannabis: 2 weeks in your blood and between 1 week and 1 month in your urine.

Cocaine: 1-2 days in your blood and 3-4 days in your urine.

Heroin: 12 hours in your blood and 3-4 days in your urine.

LSD: 2-3 hours in your blood and 1-3 days in your urine.

Ecstasy (MDMA): 1-2 days in your blood and 3-4 days in your urine.

Crystal Meth. (Methamphetamine): 1-3 days in your blood and 3-6 days in your urine.

Methadone: 24-36 hours in your blood and 3-4 days in your urine.

Morphine: 6-8 hours in your blood and 2-3 days in your urine.

Hair tests- How long do different drugs stay in your system?

To carry out a hair test a 1.5 inch strand of hair from your head is required

If you think being bald will save you, think again. Body hair can be used. These hair samples are generally taken from under the arm, from your chest or from the hairs on your legs.

Hair tests – Double Whammy:

There is a far more worrying aspect for those who use drugs and are requested to submit to a hair test rather than give a urine sample.

ALL of the above drugs in the blood and urine chart can be detected in hair plucked from your head for up to 3 months after last use, bar LSD which only shows ‘positive’ for 3 days.

If body hair is used this can reveal historical drugs use from 6+ months ago.

Even more worrying (for some!) is that hair tests can establish whether multiple drugs have been used!

Hair tests – One escape route, but not a very plausible one!

One way to avoid being subjected to a hair test is to shave your body thoroughly from head to toe. This obviously makes testing your hair impossible.

If you are considering this route after your employer has pre-warned you of an imminent drugs test and you are female, or a male who had a decent head of hair up to this notification one suspects your employers suspicions may just be raised!

How long do different drugs stay in your system – The No.1 Culprit?

The biggest number of ’positive’ results are against users of Cannabis. This is not surprising when you consider it is the most widely taken illegal drug the world over, and as can be seen from its detection timespan it stays in your system the longest!

‘Passive Smoking’:

While we are discussing Cannabis a common myth needs to be dispelled. If you live with someone who uses this drug, or mix with friends who indulge, but you DO NOT partake you have nothing to fear if asked to take a hair test.

There is no foundation in the myth that passive smoking will leave traces of Cannabis in your hair. Second hand smoke does not result in a ‘positive’ when tested.

How long do different drugs stay in your system? – Employers awareness:

A growing number of employers are including a drugs test of one sort or another for prospective new employees. This simply means that if you are shortlisted for a vacancy you will have to agree to a drugs test. Only when this proves ‘negative’ will you be considered for the position.

Existing employees are not immune either. Many companies already have in place, or are putting in place regulations regarding their right to test employees for signs of drug use.

For existing workers their updated employment contract will include a ‘drug testing’ condition as part of your employment. You will have to accept this condition by signature, or if you refuse to accept such a condition then you will be looking for a change of employment.

How long do different drugs stay in your system – Bottom line:

If you value your current job and your employer has, or is intending to implement drug testing for their employees, or you are hoping to secure a future with one of the many companies who include drug tests as part of a job offer you would be wise to cross recreational drug taking off your list of hobbies.

Ecstasy has a mythical aura despite the fact that regular use of this drug often opens a gateway to stronger, more addictive drug use and abuse. This is not hearsay, but is borne out by many ‘E’ users during their frank admission in terms of recreational drug use.

Here are some facts about this drug, the potential path users are treading and where it can ultimately lead to:

What is it?

Its chemical name is 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, which, unlike the pill itself is a bit of a mouthful, hence the abbreviation MDMA.

It is a manmade drug that was first patented in Germany in the early 1900’s. The pharmaceutical company Merck did not state on the successful patent application what its intended use was, and although it is thought their intention was to market it as a diet pill, the company decided against its commercial use in any form and had nothing more to do with it.

In terms of popular recreational use the drug really made its mark in the 1980’s and has maintained its popularity since then.

It is a firm favourite with the Rave culture and is a very regular guest at festivals and house parties.

Ecstasy by name, not MDMA by nature:

Please do not think for one moment that the drug you are buying is the pure form of MDMA.

While it is true to say that the early years of ‘E’ production majored on large quantities of MDMA, it is equally true to say that the pills you purchase today are very likely to contain none, or at best very small quantities of this ingredient.

Illegal drug producers, many of which thrive in basement or ‘kitchen’ operations have no approved standards to worry about.

What should also be made very clear is that they most certainly have no qualms whatsoever in concocting this drug by mixing chemicals such as ephedrine, ketamine, methylone, mephedrone and a whole host of other substances to sell under the enticing umbrella they falsely call ecstasy.

It is just as important to remember that these drug operations are not interested in your personal health and safety, but they are very interested in your money.

Lights, Sensations, Actions:

Regardless of whether you are actually getting the ‘true’ product or not there must be something to this drug that attracts so many.

It is most popularly taken in pill form and once swallowed the effects generally take between 30-60 minutes to kick-in. This can of course vary dependent upon the quality of the contents and your surroundings. Lights, loud music and ‘lovely’ people all add to the buzz.

A very pleasant euphoria will sweep over you which gives feelings of well-being, inner peace and happiness.

Regular ecstasy users report a huge increase in sociability, a feeling of being at one with those around them and a need to express their contentment by dancing without a care in the world.

Sensations and sexual desire increase while their inhibitions decrease. Users often have mild hallucinations and generally feel very good about life and within themselves.

Such feelings generally peak between 1.5 and 2 hours after first use and will tail off after about 3.5 hours.

Multiple pills per trip:

While the ‘benefits’ stated above sound enticing, it is more often the case than not that as a user begins to feel these effects wearing off they will counter this by ‘necking’ another ‘E’.

Dependent upon the event they are attending or the length of the party they are at it is very easy and just as tempting to consume pill after pill.

You can be assured that what goes up MUST come down:

Please do not think you will walk away from an extended ‘E’ Episode scot-free.

Because of the highly euphoric feelings experienced during your ‘high’ it is only reasonable to be prepared for extreme feelings of depression when you are coming down. You need to add fatigue and increased irritability to this.

Physically you are likely to experience muscle aches and headaches, possible dizziness and nausea. If you have neglected to take on board enough water during your ecstasy binge there is also a strong possibility you will suffer from dehydration.

While the physical symptoms of this comedown may pass relatively quickly, the psychological symptoms can stay with you far longer. Such extended psychological problems should not be wished upon anyone.

Building up a tolerance = Increased Exposure:

Like the vast majority of illegal substances your body and mind quickly become tolerant of ‘E’. What this means is that to achieve the same high as your previous one you will need to take more of the drug.

Taking more on a regular basis leaves you open to possible dependency, or, as many users have discovered to their great cost, it can urge you to seek out stronger drugs with the potential for bigger highs, and an even bigger potential for addiction.

Once aboard the drugs merry-go-round it’s not easy to step off:

PLEASE do not think addiction to drugs will never happen to you. The route to dependence is fairly straight forward. First it is an ‘E’ before a Rave, then a couple at a party, then multiple ecstasy use every time you attend a concert, festival or ‘big’ night out with friends.

Before you know it that handful of pills is not doing the trick. Mention this to your dealer or to acquaintances whose dependence on other drugs is far beyond yours and they will have ‘instant solutions’.

“Try this”, “Take that”, “Just one injection will give you the biggest boost on the planet”.

If your quest and hunger for bigger highs tempts you down such a route then the end result will in all probability be addiction.

Act sooner rather than later:

If you are one of the millions who find you are using ‘E’ more and more, and in greater quantities just to achieve that feeling of well-being you need to take action.

There is NO shame in admitting your ecstasy use has gone beyond sensible limits. Indeed, it is a very courageous thing to do.

Once you accept this fact there are some very positive drug rehab programs that have been established for use in outpatient and inpatient rehabilitation centres.

Their overriding aim is to help you work through your issues in a structured and sensible way.

Such care, attention and professional assistance will go a long way in terms of overcoming your current problems. It will also empower you to look forward to a future that is drug free.

The addiction anguish for those around you means very little to those who have become totally dependent upon their ‘poison of choice’.

An addict’s need for their next fix overrides everything. They are not blind, but choose not to see, they are not deaf, but choose not to hear. Harsh words indeed, but very true all the same.

If you are currently addicted to any substance it is time to stand up, admit to yourself and your loved ones how serious your problem is, and take positive action by seeking the help of professional rehab services.

Let’s take a step back and understand how your addiction is affecting not only you, but those closest to you.

Dabbling with drugs:

Like all addicts you clearly did not intend to become addicted when you first started using various drugs. It was all ‘a bit of fun’ and something you were sure could be turned on and off as easily as a tap.

Then the occasional toot turned into something more regular, and fairly quickly you found life wasn’t really fun without your drug of choice, or that particular drug wasn’t really ‘doing it for you anymore’.

Obvious solution: Try something a little different, a little more potent, a bigger hit or high. One thing is for sure your ‘friendly dealer’ will always be on hand to ‘suggest’ something that would suit.

The rest as they say is history:

These stronger substances certainly did give you a better rush IN THE BEGINNING! They also gave you a stronger need to decrease the time between each hit and increase the amount consumed. The end result being dependence and addiction.

When do you realise drugs are taking over your life?

There are many pointers that indicate you are now dependent upon your drug of choice. The fact that you choose to ignore these signs does not hide them. In fact it only deepens the addiction anguish for those around you.

Here are just 5 of the many signs that should tell you drugs are now in control of you and not the other way around:

All consuming:

The most important thing on your mind is when you will take your next hit, where it will come from and how quickly you can secure that deal.

Anxiety:

Anxiousness is part and parcel of an addict’s life. This is one of the many unwanted effects your drug of choice creates. Another reason for increased anxiety levels is related to your constant concerns about where your next hit is coming from.

Fear and depression:

Again this is related to your ability to ‘score’. You will become tense and worried if your stash is getting low, or you cannot secure the drugs you need. This can lead to depressing periods until you have managed to find that much needed supply.

Mood swings:

Your mood can change like the wind. While the hit is hovering in and around its height you may well be over effusive, bright and excessively cheerful. You will go through periods where you appear ‘normal’ and times when you will be grumpy, unresponsive and even aggressive.

Such erratic mood swings are a major source of addiction anguish for those around you.

Appearance:

Your appearance changes. This can be from a physical and a personal grooming aspect. Many addicts have a drawn and haggard look about them, others take very little interest in their personal hygiene or manner of dress.

Your situation will NOT improve on its own:

It is vitally important for anyone who is dependent upon drugs to realise that things are not going to improve on their own. Indeed it will only get worse unless you confront your issues and seek long term rehab assistance.

The reason for this is ‘tolerance’. We will briefly explain how your mind and body’s tolerance levels are affected by repeated drug use, and also put tolerance in a different light that is not so often mentioned:

Tolerance – 2 sides to the story:

Tolerance – The User: When you start using drugs the ‘rush’ or ‘hit’ you feel is very pleasant. Your mind and body tell you this. The problem is that you can quickly become tolerant of the drug.

This tolerance means that to achieve the same high as previously you need to take a larger dose. Many who are now addicted discovered their ‘original’ drug of choice was not giving them as big a ‘high’ as they wanted.

The response to this is to start using something stronger. Again, the body and mind quickly take to the stronger drug, but tolerance follows and you find yourself using more often and taking larger quantities to achieve similar highs.

In short: A very vicious circle!

Tolerance – Addiction anguish for those around you: This is a much overlooked point when it comes to those closest to a person dependent upon drugs.

They tolerate your behaviour and attitude, they tolerate your requests for money, and above and beyond the call of duty they will tolerate your lies and deceit. They will defend you when others criticise, and they will stand by you even though you give them no reason whatsoever to do so.

BUT, their love, loyalty and desire to protect you has its limits. Everyone has a breaking point and if this is reached you really will be alone.

Professional help is required – Professional help is available:

If you are currently dependent upon drugs you know deep down the physical and psychological damage you are doing to yourself. You also clearly see, but choose to ignore the addiction anguish for those around you.

It is very understandable that you are scared to seek professional rehab assistance. This is due to your fear of life without your drug of choice.

Nevertheless, you must take the very brave step of admitting to yourself and to your loved ones that you need help.

There are some excellent inpatient rehab establishments that are completely geared to assisting you overcome your drug dependence issues in a professional and structured way.

This will be achieved through physical, psychological and spiritual sessions that have proven successful to many men and women who have been in ‘the same place’ as you currently find yourself.

It is not just short term help:

What is vital for an addict to understand is that during the recovery process physical ‘scars’ should heal quite quickly, but the psychological problems can remain far longer.

This is why a professional rehab centre will offer a variety of aftercare options, and you will make a joint decision with your counsellor which one is best for you.

Such aftercare is aimed at ensuring that once you are ‘clean’ you will stay ‘clean’ for the foreseeable future.

By seeking help in coming to terms with your drug issues you are also taking a huge step in relieving the addiction anguish for those around you.

Such a step is the least they deserve, and it will hopefully begin the healing process in terms of repairing damaged relationships.