---
title: Virtual Hope - a community of families, loved ones and professionals
description: community families loved ones professionals inviting individual journey of understanding healing loss trauma celebrate successes milestones of recovery
---

[![VHLogoTransLARGE](https://virtualhope.org/hs-fs/hubfs/VHLogoTransLARGE.png?width=300&height=64&name=VHLogoTransLARGE.png "VHLogoTransLARGE")](https://virtualhope.org?hsLang=en)

- [Who we are](https://virtualhope.org/who-we-are)
- [Services](https://virtualhope.org/services)
- [Community Speaks](https://virtualhope.org/community-speaks)
- [Blog](https://virtualhope.org/blog)
- [Additional Services](https://virtualhope.org/additional-services)
- [Contact](https://virtualhope.org/contact)

- [Who we are](https://virtualhope.org/who-we-are)
- [Services](https://virtualhope.org/services)
- [Community Speaks](https://virtualhope.org/community-speaks)
- [Blog](https://virtualhope.org/blog)
- [Additional Services](https://virtualhope.org/additional-services)
- [Contact](https://virtualhope.org/contact)

[BECOME A MEMBER](https://virtualhope.org/become-a-member?hsLang=en)

# Awareness

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![AwarenessImage-1](https://virtualhope.org/hs-fs/hubfs/AwarenessImage-1.jpg?width=300&height=421&name=AwarenessImage-1.jpg "AwarenessImage-1")

- **The earlier an individual begins abusing** substances/alcohol the more likely they will develop an addiction 
    - 9 out of 10 individuals who are addicted to nicotine, drug, or alcohol began use before 18
    - Individuals who begin abusing and using addictive substances before the age of 15 are 7 times more likely to develop a substance abuse problem than those who wait until the age of 21
    - Each year that passes during the developmental process of the brain and substance use is delayed, the risk of addiction and substance abuse does decrease

---

- **Signs of addiction and substance abuse** 
    - Social warning signs 
          - Risk taking
          - Neglecting responsibilities at school, work, or home
          - Legal problems such as disorderly conduct or driving under the influence
    - Physical warning signs 
          - Bloodshot eyes, pupils larger (dilated) or smaller than usual
          - Change in appetite, sleep patterns, physical appearance
          - Unusual smells on breath, body, clothing and or impaired coordination
    - Behavioral warning signs 
          - Drop in attendance and performance at work or school
          - Engaging in secretive and suspicious behaviors
          - Sudden change in friend groups, hangouts, and hobbies
    - Psychological warning signs of drug abuse 
          - Unexplained change in personality or attitude
          - Sudden mood swings, irritability, spaced-out, or angry outbursts
          - Appears fearful, anxious, or paranoid, with no reason to be presenting like this
    - Recognition that there is a problem is the first step to receiving help and begin recovery 
          - A person must first want help to receive it
          - It then takes tremendous courage and strength to face the addiction and surrender to its power over you
          - Maintaining a healthy environment for your family while supporting your loved one takes support

[Become a Member](https://virtualhope.org/become-a-member?hsLang=en)

Anyone in immediate overdose crisis SHOULD CALL 911 for emergency medical attention

[![VHLogoTransLARGE](https://virtualhope.org/hs-fs/hubfs/VHLogoTransLARGE.png?width=250&height=53&name=VHLogoTransLARGE.png "VHLogoTransLARGE")](https://www.virtualhope.org?hsLang=en)

**Address**  
Virtual Hope  
5036 Dr. Phillips Blvd. #1051  
Orlando, FL 32819

**Follow**

[Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089091165086) [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/virtual_hope_/) [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodi-russo-bailey-574631284/) [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.youtube.com/@virtualhopecorp/featured)

**Services**

[Life Coaching](https://virtualhope.org/services?hsLang=en)  
Speaking  
[Resources](https://virtualhope.org/contact?hsLang=en)  
[Contact Us](https://virtualhope.org/contact?hsLang=en)

**Sign Up**  
for our  
Newsletter  
to stay  
informed on  
relevant and  
important topics  
covering addiction