In brief
- The first step with signs of drug addiction is not to act at random but to assess the condition and risks.
- In acute situations, safety, calm communication and quick contact with a specialist matter.
- Home advice from the internet does not replace a doctor's consultation and can worsen the condition.
- The family should note the symptoms, the duration of use, behaviour and changes in wellbeing.
- At Demeevka you can start with a confidential consultation by phone, on Telegram or through the form.
- The further form of help is determined after a condition assessment, the risks and the person's motivation.
Useful pages on the topic
Selected sections that will help you quickly move from reading to the next safe step.
When problem requires doctor
When it comes to the signs of drug addiction, it is important not to experiment with home schemes. A doctor or specialist assesses the condition, the risks and co-existing symptoms and suggests which form of help is safe right now.
If there is a sharp worsening of wellbeing, psychosis, seizures, loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing or a suspected overdose, you need to contact emergency medical help.
How to this appears
- behaviour: sharp mood changes, withdrawal, conflicts, disappearing from home or work;
- physical signs: tremor, weakness, sleep disturbance, nausea, sharp changes in appetite or weight;
- mental health: anxiety, panic, aggression, suspiciousness, disorientation or apathy;
- social risks: debts, loss of control, a new social circle, repeated relapses;
- medical risks: intoxication, withdrawal, overdose, psychosis or dangerous exhaustion.
What not can do at home
This material is informational in nature and does not replace a consultation with a doctor. Prescriptions, IV therapy and the form of treatment are determined only after a condition assessment.
- do not choose medications, sedatives or IV drips on your own;
- do not mix alcohol, medications or other substances to ease the condition;
- don't leave the person alone if there is disorientation, aggression, hallucinations or a risk of overdose;
- do not trust promises of a quick, guaranteed result without assessing the condition;
- don't delay contact if there are seizures, loss of consciousness, chest pain or difficulty breathing.
How help works at Demeevka
Help at Demeevka is built step by step: consultation, condition assessment, stabilisation when indicated, a plan for further treatment and family support.
- an initial consultation and gathering information about the condition;
- assessment of risks, symptoms, contraindications and the need for emergency help;
- when indicated — detox, stabilisation or relief of the acute condition;
- after stabilisation — a treatment plan, psychotherapy, rehabilitation or family support;
- support after the acute stage to reduce the risk of repeated relapse.
When inpatient care is needed
Inpatient care is considered when it is dangerous to manage the condition at home or constant observation is needed. Red flags:
- loss of consciousness, seizures, difficulty breathing or chest pain;
- severe hallucinations, psychosis, strong disorientation or aggression;
- suspected overdose, mixing substances or sharp worsening condition;
- prolonged use, repeated relapses, exhaustion or an inability to control behaviour;
- co-existing diseases, high risks to the heart, liver or mind, or safety at home.
What relatives should do
- Speak briefly and calmly, without humiliation, threats or arguments at the moment of an acute condition.
- Do not give medications, alcohol or other substances without a specialist consultation.
- Write down what exactly was used and for how long, what symptoms are present now, and whether there were seizures or loss of consciousness.
- If the person is aggressive or disoriented, take care of your own safety and that of others.
- Contact us for a consultation, even if the person is not yet ready for treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Whether can contact confidential?
Yes. Demeevka works confidentially and not discloses fact contact third-party people.
Can relatives start with a consultation?
Yes. The family can reach out first, describe the situation and receive a safe plan for the conversation.
Whether can decide the problem at home?
Sometimes the first contact is possible remotely or at home, but acute symptoms require an in-person assessment and often inpatient care.
How long lasts help?
The duration depends on the condition, the substance, the history of use, co-existing illnesses and readiness for further treatment.
Is detox enough?
Detox or stabilisation relieve the acute state but do not replace treatment of the addiction and relapse prevention.
When needed act urgently?
With seizures, loss of consciousness, psychosis, difficulty breathing, chest pain or a suspected overdose, emergency help is needed.