Early Warning Signs
Recognising changes before substance use becomes more deeply established
Substance use does not always become problematic overnight. Often there are smaller changes first - in routines, tolerance, reasons for using, relationships, money, sleep, work or the ability to stop.
This standalone three-page guide is designed to help people notice those changes early without jumping to conclusions or using shame.
Inside the PDF you will find:
• how to look for changes rather than stereotypes
• early behavioural, emotional, physical and practical warning signs
• tolerance, craving and loss of choice
• emergency signs that require 999
• how to begin a calm conversation
• questions that can help reveal the pattern
• what to do when somebody says there is no problem
• why early support can include harm reduction
• a practical early-warning tracker
• an important note about withdrawal risks
• UK routes to treatment and support
• guidance for parents, partners and families
• a book recommendation
• a personal message from Maggie
• clinical notes and source framework
The purpose is not to diagnose somebody from a checklist. It is to recognise when several changes are beginning to form a pattern and make support easier to reach before the situation becomes more deeply established.
Space to Breathe Therapy | Support Hub
