Wondering and worrying whether you or someone you care about might have a problem with substances can be overwhelming and confusing. And although you may not want to label the issue, you do want clarity. But that can be difficult since substance use disorder (SUD) is complex and doesn’t always look the same for everyone.
For some, problematic use begins with casual or even controlled encounters with substance use in social situations. For others, it starts with a prescription and gradually becomes a crutch. What makes substance use a disorder is when you continue to use despite the harm it causes. But it may look very different depending on the person, and everyone has a different degree of tolerance for substance-related consequences.
This blog will help you recognize possible warning signs that may indicate a need for residential treatment in Iowa. You’ll also get more insight into how medical professionals diagnose SUD and which treatment options at St. Gregory Recovery Center might be most helpful.
What Are the Warning Signs of Substance Use?
Substance use shows up differently for everyone. You might hide it well, while others may display obvious signs. The critical thing to remember is that you don’t need to see all of these signs to feel concerned. Let’s look at the different warning signs that could manifest when SUD is at play.
Physical Warning Signs
These often show up in the body and appearance, generally altering how someone typically looks or moves.
- Frequent runny nose or sniffling
- Lack of personal hygiene or grooming
- Bloodshot eyes or changes in pupil size
- Strange smells on clothes, breath, or the body
- Shaking hands, slurred words, or clumsy movements
- Shifts in eating or sleeping patterns followed by noticeable weight loss or gain
Behavioral Warning Signs
Behavioral changes may feel unsettling because they affect interactions, so you may notice the person pulling away from responsibilities or acting and responding to others uncharacteristically. This could look like:
- Acting secretive, paranoid, or suspiciously, or changing friend groups or social spots suddenly
- Skipping out on work, school, or parenting duties
- Trouble with the law, like fights or driving under the influence
- Taking risks like unsafe sex, driving while using, or stealing money, even after asking for it and being told no
- Struggling to stop once they start or needing more of the substance to feel the same effects
- Strained relationships or frequent arguments around using to avoid withdrawal discomfort or making life revolve around using or recovering from use
Psychological Warning Signs
These can be harder to see, but they often explain the emotional shifts you might notice.
- Feeling drained, unmotivated, or spaced out
- Periods of high energy, nervousness, or unstable emotions
- Sudden mood swings, irritability, or angry outbursts
- Changes in personality or attitude that don’t make sense
If you notice one or more of these symptoms, you could be identifying SUD in yourself or a loved one. Still, when these signs pile up and feel unmanageable, it may be time to consider the kind of help that goes beyond what you can do on your own—like residential treatment in Iowa. But ultimately, it’s up to a doctor to formally diagnose the disorder.
What Is The Medical Criteria For Substance Use Disorder?
Professionals look at several criteria to determine whether someone meets the definition of SUD. Most broadly, they include the signs you’ve learned about: using more than intended, wanting to quit but struggling, or spending much of your time getting, using, or recovering. But withdrawal is another piece—if stopping makes you sick, that counts too. The number of these symptoms a person experiences helps determine whether their SUD may be mild, moderate, or severe.
When to Enter Treatment in Iowa
At St. Gregory Recovery Center in Iowa, you can choose the level of support that fits your situation and comfort level. If you feel you need a structured, 24/7 environment, residential treatment in Bayard provides medical care, therapy, and holistic support like yoga and nutrition planning. This option may help when you want to step away from daily pressures and focus fully on healing.
Outpatient treatment in Des Moines could be right for you if you want strong support but also need to keep living at home. Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) provide hours of therapy and supervision during the day, but you return home at night. This balance may work if you have responsibilities you don’t want to set aside but still want intensive help.
We weave Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) into both outpatient and residential care. It’s a form of therapy that helps you notice negative thought patterns and rebuild them into healthier ways of thinking. Since it’s a proven method that can make day-to-day challenges less overwhelming and support long-term recovery, we encourage your participation for a more resilient, worthwhile recovery experience.
Find Support for Substance Use Disorder in Iowa
Recognizing signs of substance use disorder can feel heavy, but it’s also the first step toward change. You now know the warning signs, the criteria for diagnosis, and the kinds of treatment options available in Iowa. Whether you’re drawn to outpatient programs in Des Moines, residential care in Bayard, or therapies like CBT, St. Gregory Recovery Center can help. Contact us to take your next step toward a healthier life.
