Charlotte Divorce Lawyer Blog

16. Pain that Never Ends
Prescription drug addiction is one of the most common kinds of addiction. Abusers learn many different tricks for getting their pills. Back pain is one of the most common symptoms used to get pain medications because it is nondescript and hard to prove. It is also fairly easy to fake. If a young, healthy person claims to be suffering from chronic back pain and asks for narcotic pain medications, watch closely. Another tactic is going to more than one doctor and getting prescriptions for the same kinds of drugs. If a person says they cannot take NSAIDS, that is a red flag because the only thing left is a narcotic painkiller.

17. Sickness without a Cause
When people are abusing alcohol or drugs, they tend not to feel well much of the time. So, frequent vague illnesses can be a sign that something is wrong. They may also be using sickness as a reason to skip work. There are usually many different explanations which are difficult to prove or disprove. Also, low energy, fatigue and depression that all comes on suddenly without reason may be caused by withdrawal from the drug. Withdrawal sympoms can also be accompanied by irritability and flashes of anger.

18. Paranoia and Panic Attacks
Paranoia attacks are a well-known problem for anyone who has smoked pot. They are also a common side effect of many other drugs and alcohol. Stimulants can also cause panic attacks. These problems are often temporary, but the drugs or alcohol can actually change a person’s personality. Cocaine, in particular, alters the brain and can cause a variety of psychological problems, including paranoia. Drug or alcohol abusers may develop social anxiety, feel nervous and anxious in public situations and avoid them whenever possible.

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11. Can I Try the Diet You’re On?

Many drugs like crystal meth, cocain and other “uppers” stimulate energy so much that the user feels no urge to eat. Many have no appetite whatsoever. Obviously, these people are prone to rapid weight loss. Often this sign of abuse is missed because it is sometimes seen as nothing to worry about. Weight loss is typically seen as a good thing and it is often overlooked as a symptom of drug abuse.

12. Squeaky Clean
Overuse of certain hygene products can be a signal that the person is trying to hide something. Overuse of gum or breath mints might show that someone is trying to mask the smell of alcohol. Ditto for excessive use of mouthwash or hand sanitizer gel. Dryer sheets can be used to disguise the smell of smoke. A bottle of eyedrops can be a sure fire sign that someone is trying to hide reddened eyes.

13. The Bathroom Game
The bathroom is the most obvious place to find prescription drugs. Sometimes people who abuse prescription drugs are so desperate that they cannot resist the temptation to scrounge them in other people’s houses. They often do this under the pretense of visiting thh bathroom. Sometimes the person takes too long in the bathroom or finds a reason to visit each of the bathrooms in a newly visited house.

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6. The Money Magnet
Substance abuse is an expensive habit and drugs and alcohol cost money. This, combined with impaired judgment may lead many people to get into financial trouble by not paying attention to their affairs. Any kind of unusual money behavior can tip off families to drug or alcohol abuse. Bills might not be paid or the adict might start selling possessions on eBay. Coke and speed can send people into manic spending sprees while alcohol can spur gambling binges. Also, the person may ask family members for loans or use their credit card without asking.

7. The Clear Choice
Many alcoholics prefer vodka as their drink of choice because it is clear, looks like water and does not typically have a noticable odor. A dead give away is when a person puts vodka in their thermos and mixes it with their morning coffee. Pay attention if the person goes from their normal drink of choice to vodka or if you taste their drink it and is spiked. Watch grocery receipts too, are they buying large amounts of vodka?

8. Missing in Action
If the person is missing important events like high school graduation or a birthday party, the person may be displaying signs of addiction. Becoming secretive and unreliable is a trademark of addiction. They start to forget appointments, miss important events or come in late to work or school. Maintaining and hiding an addiction takes time and effort. The person may stop by the bar on the way home, then get coffee to sober up. Sneaking around the house is also a tip-off, like sneaking into the bathroom for Visine and to brush their teeth before talking to anyone.

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According to an article by Yahoo and Match.com, your birth order can have a significant impact on your love life. If you are the oldest child, you are a take-charge type of person and this trait carries over to your love life. Oldest kids are the planners and they are going to do the big sha-bang on anniversaries and Valentine’s Day. Their biggest love challenge is being more spontaneous. They aren’t the “seize the day” types and they hate surprises. Their best match is with a youngest child.

Rather than being insecure messes (a commonly held belief), middle kids are actually stable and loyal partners. Growing up feeling like they get less attention drives them to work for every perk. They tend to be good compromisers and negotiators. They are good at giving their partner plenty of input on decisions and their days should be free of petty squables.

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