Signs of Addiction, Substance Abuse, & the Holidays

I’m a people person. I enjoy talking to people, learning their stories, and generally interacting with others. As a criminal defense attorney, I’ve represented individuals from all walks of life. Whether my client is a first-time offender or a career criminal, I’ve always found at least one redeeming quality in each of my clients. This is what I enjoy – representing people. As my law partner Brad Clark says, “We defend people, not crimes.”

Drugs and Alcohol are Common Occurrences

In my practice, the unfortunate reality is that drugs and/or alcohol are involved in the vast majority of my cases. There are the obvious examples: DUI, trafficking in controlled substances, possessing controlled substances, alcohol intoxication. However, drugs and/or alcohol addiction and substance abuse can be at the root of more serious crimes like robbery, assault, and murder.

Addiction is a disease that knows no race, gender, economic status, educational background, or sexual orientation.

At this point, it’s safe to say everyone has been affected in one way or another by the opioid crisis in which Kentucky is currently suffering. The legislature is enacting laws every year to enhance penalties for “pill mills” and heroin traffickers.

The federal government has passed legislation providing for large money grants to help rehab facilities combat addiction and help individuals. Personally, I’ve known more than a handful of friends and classmates that have lost their life due to the disease.

How the Holidays Can Make Matters Worse for Addicts

While the holiday season is supposed to be the “most wonderful time of the year” filled with family, friends, and love – in reality, for a lot of people it’s an extremely stressful time. Some of these stressful triggers are:

• Financial Pressures of gifts and pleasing family members
• Loneliness and Depression for those spending the holidays without loved ones
• Unrealistic expectations
• Excessive commitments
• Pre-existing family issues come to the forefront

It should come as no surprise that when individuals are stressed, some turn to alcohol and controlled substances. Whether a person has zero drug history, is an active user, or recovering addict, family and friends should be especially conscientious of their loved ones during this season. No one chooses to be an addict.

Warning Signs of an Addiction

We at Baldani Law Group want to continue to raise awareness and be a resource of information to help those in need. Below is a list of warning signs that you, or a loved one, is suffering from addiction. The first step in fixing the problem is recognizing that there is a problem.

Behavioral Signs:

• Obsessive thoughts and actions
• Loss of control
• Denial of addiction or hiding drug use

Physical Signs:

• Enlarged or small pupils
• Sudden weight loss or gain
• Bloodshot eyes
• Insomnia
• Unusual body odors
• Poor physical coordination
• Looking unkempt
• Slurred speech

Psychological Signs of Drug Addiction:

• Anxiousness
• Inattentiveness
• Lack of motivation
• Irritability or angry outbursts
• Changes in personality or attitude
• Emotional and mental withdrawing from people
• Sudden mood swings
• Unexplained paranoia

How to Help Someone with an Addiction

If someone reaches out to you regarding their battle with addiction and you don’t feel qualified, always try to be supportive and point them into the direction of professionals.

If you know or suspect a friend is battling a substance abuse addiction, DON’T ENABLE THEM. While you may be able to socialize at parties or bars responsibly, your friend may not. By putting your friend in a risky situation, you are fueling their addiction without realizing it. The results can have tragic consequences.

Fayette County Substance Abuse Providers

If you or a loved one need help, we’ve compiled a list of Fayette County Substance Abuse Providers with contact information for each facility. Please utilize this resource and the many others available online to seek help.

Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney for Help Today

If you are currently charged with a criminal offense involving drugs or alcohol, our experienced legal team will not only fight for your rights but also assist you in finding the necessary treatment to combat your addiction. Give us a call at (859) 259-0727.