Are you worried that your loved one may be struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction? Being able to recognize the signs of addiction in a loved one can help you better understand whether or not they need intervention.
Even though you may assume that the signs of addiction in a loved one would be obvious, this isn’t always the case. In fact, it is sometimes the people closest to the person struggling with addiction who are the least aware of it.
In this article, we will be discussing the different types of signs to look for that could indicate that your loved one has an addiction and needs treatment.
First: What is Drug Addiction?
Drug addiction is a complex and chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by the compulsive use of substances, such as illicit drugs or alcohol, despite the negative consequences it has on a person’s life. According to the National Survey of Drug Use and Health, 48.5 million Americans fought a substance use disorder in 2023.
Drug addiction can have severe physical, emotional, and social consequences. Understanding these signs of addiction is crucial for recognizing when a loved one may be struggling with substance abuse. By being aware of the physical, behavioral, and social signs, you can better support your loved one in seeking the help they need.
Substance Use Vs. Addiction
Before we dive into the signs of addiction in a loved one, what is the difference between substance use vs. an actual addiction? Even though these two things may seem the same, they are actually quite different.
Substance use, to an extent, is deemed to be quite normal in our modern society. For instance, certain types of drugs are used for medical purposes or recreationally with very little judgment. Alcohol is also a very good example of this, as the majority of people consume alcohol to some extent in certain situations.
Because of this, substance use does not fit into the category of an actual addiction unless the person is not able to stop using substances.
On the other hand, an addiction is an actual mental health disorder with a real psychological impact on the person. Substance use turns into substance abuse when the individual can no longer control how often or the amount of substances they are using.
Signs of Addiction in a Loved One: What to Look For
Addiction is an incredibly personal disorder that can affect everyone differently. Because of this, the signs of addiction in a loved one may not be incredibly straightforward and certainly won’t be the same for every individual. That is why it can be so challenging to be able to clearly identify addiction in a loved one.
Look for the following signs if you suspect a friend or family member is battling substance abuse.
Physical
The physical signs of addiction in a loved one can start to take shape early on or much later, depending on how severe the addiction is and the type of substance. This is because different substances impact the body differently, especially when it comes to how frequent the substance abuse is.
Here are some examples of physical signs you may notice early on in your loved one’s addiction:
- Poor coordination
- Trembling
- Dilated pupils
- Red eyes
- Unusual cuts or bruises
- Unusual energy or a lack of energy
- Rapid weight gain or loss
- Runny nose
Additionally, there are some other more serious physical signs you could look for that could indicate a severe addiction that has been going on for quite some time:
- Hair loss
- Rotten or missing teeth
- Weight loss
- Sores
Psychological
Repeated drug and alcohol abuse can start to significantly impact a person’s mind and mental functioning. Because of this, there are many psychological signs that could indicate that your loved one is hiding an addiction.
These include:
- Changes in sleep pattern
- Hallucinations
- Suicidal thoughts
- Self-harm
- Personality changes
- Loss or increase in confidence
- Unusual isolation
- Repeated lying
Keep in mind that these psychological signs are not specific to addiction and could indicate other mental health disorders. This is because individuals with addiction often have co-occurring disorders and dual diagnoses, which require a collaborative treatment approach involving various healthcare professionals to effectively address and manage these complex interrelated conditions.
Emotional
If you are struggling to recognize the signs of addiction in a loved one, you may want to look at their emotional well-being. Those battling addiction tend to be emotionally volatile, especially as their addiction progresses.
These are some of the easiest signs to recognize, especially in close friends and family members:
- Verbal abuse
- Mood swings
- Intense irritability
- Irritability
- Defensiveness
- Secretive behaviors
- Loss of interest
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Hysteria
- Crying spells
Again, these are signs that can also indicate other types of mental health disorders, so they may not always link back to addiction.
Relational
One area of people’s lives that is most impacted by addiction is their relationships. Addiction touches the person struggling with substance abuse as well as everybody within their vicinity. If you are a close friend or a family member, this can help you identify when something isn’t quite right.
- Violence or physical abuse
- Excessive arguments
- Marital problems
- Distancing from close relationships
- Difficulty holding conversations
- Self-isolation
- Constantly asking for money
Lifestyle
The last type of sign to look out for in your loved one is lifestyle changes. Addiction unravels a person’s life and will often result in various lifestyle changes that you may be able to identify, such as:
- Missing or skipping work or school
- Neglecting responsibilities
- Always being broke
- Neglecting personal hygiene
- Spending time with the wrong types of people
Lifestyle changes associated with addiction will look very different depending on the individual. For instance, some people are naturally less dependable, so regularly missing or skipping work or neglecting some of their responsibilities is normal for them. Whereas a more dependable and routine person doing these things would be highly unusual.
Unique Signs and Symptoms for Alcohol and Drug Addictions
Let’s break them down by type:
Alcohol
Alcohol addiction, also known as alcohol use disorder, is a serious condition that goes beyond casual or social drinking. It involves a strong craving for alcohol, loss of control over drinking, and continued use despite harmful consequences.
Signs of alcohol addiction can be both physical and behavioral. Physical signs include slurred speech, memory loss, and frequent hangovers. Behavioral signs might include drinking at inappropriate times, making excuses to drink, and neglecting personal and professional responsibilities. Emotional signs, such as increased irritability and defensiveness, are also common.
Illegal Drugs
The exact signs and symptoms depend on the addiction in question.
For example:
- Opioid abuse can lead to physical symptoms such as sedation, memory issues, and withdrawal symptoms.
- Individuals who use barbiturates may be at a higher risk of developing severe health complications and addiction.
- Stimulant drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine may lead to rapid weight loss from appetite suppression
The Impact of a Loved One’s Addiction
The impact of a loved one’s addiction extends far beyond the individual suffering from the substance use disorder. Family members and close friends often experience a range of emotional, psychological, and social challenges.
Emotionally, family members may feel a mix of anger, sadness, and helplessness. They might struggle with enabling behaviors, such as making excuses for the addicted person or providing financial support that fuels the addiction.
Psychologically, the constant worry and fear for the loved one’s safety can be overwhelming. You may be constantly concerned about spotting drug paraphernalia or uncovering illegal substances in their living space.
Socially, addiction can strain relationships and create a sense of isolation. Family gatherings and social events may become tense or avoided altogether. The addicted person’s behavior, such as lying or stealing, can erode trust and create conflict within the family.
What to Do if You Suspect Your Loved One is Hiding an Addiction
Before acting, you need to be quite sure that your loved one is suffering from an addiction. If they are showing many of these signs and symptoms, it may be time to reach out to them and start a conversation.
You should always be upfront with your loved one and approach them in a way that is empathetic and non-judgmental. Many people choose to do this in an intervention-type setting with other friends or family members who are worried. It is also a good idea to involve a mental health or addiction professional who can act as a mediator to keep the discussion positive and productive. Admissions navigators can help individuals find treatment options for addiction support.
Once you have started that conversation, you can provide actionable ways to move forward, such as seeking addiction recovery treatment. By opening up the conversation and providing solutions, they may be more willing to acknowledge that they have a problem and accept help.
Supporting a Loved One with Addiction
Supporting a loved one with addiction requires a delicate balance of empathy, patience, and firmness. It is important to approach the situation with an open heart and a non-judgmental attitude.
Here are some tips to help you support your loved one:
- Educate Yourself: Understanding addiction as a disease can help you approach your loved one with compassion. Learn about the signs of addiction, the effects of different substances, and the available treatment options.
- Communicate Openly: Have honest and open conversations with your loved one about their addiction. Express your concerns without blaming or shaming them. Let them know that you are there to support them.
- Set Boundaries: While it is important to be supportive, it is also crucial to set healthy boundaries. Avoid enabling behaviors, such as giving them money or covering up for their actions. Encourage them to take responsibility for their recovery.
- Encourage Professional Help: Addiction is a complex disease that often requires professional treatment. Encourage your loved one to seek help from addiction specialists, therapists, or support groups.
- Take Care of Yourself: Supporting a loved one with addiction can be emotionally draining. Make sure to take care of your own mental and physical health. Seek support from friends, family, or support groups for yourself.
By following these tips, you can provide meaningful support to your loved one while also taking care of your own well-being.
Get Help For Your Loved on With The Lakes Treatment Center
Understanding the signs of addiction in a loved one can be incredibly important in identifying the problem and reaching out to your friend or family member. There are many signs you can look for, depending on their normal personality and pattern of behavior.
In many cases, recognizing the signs and reaching out to your loved one early on can make all of the difference in the success of their recovery journey. Diverse and individualized treatments are available to address various aspects of recovery, including medical, emotional, and psychological needs.
Are you looking for an addiction treatment program for your loved one? Contact us today at The Lakes Treatment Center for more resources regarding addiction recovery.
