How Do I Know If My Loved One Has An Addiction?
No one wants to think about someone they love struggling with addiction. But, it’s not something to be taken lightly or ignored. When you truly care about someone, you take action when they’re in danger – even if they’re the one putting themselves at risk.
But, addiction isn’t always an easy thing to spot if you don’t know what to look for.
Movies and television shows have given most people stereotypes of what addiction looks like. While some depictions are more accurate than others, it’s important to note that addiction can start off with very subtle symptoms.
Recognizing those symptoms can make all the difference for your loved one.
So, how do you know if your loved one has an addiction? What should you do about it?
Behavioral Changes
One of the first things you’re likely to notice in a loved one dealing with addiction is changes in their behavior. Depending on what type of drug/alcohol they’re using, those behaviors will be different. But, some of the most common changes to look out for include:
Losing interest in things they love
Withdrawing from friends and family
Developing a negative outlook on life
Becoming easily irritable
Severe mood swings
You know your loved one and their personality. The list above isn’t all-inclusive, of course. If you notice that their behavior is changing, even if it seems subtle at first, consider it a red flag. People don’t often change the way they act for no reason.
Unfortunately, behavioral changes can start to coincide with other mental health challenges like depression or anxiety. That can cause someone to turn to more drugs or alcohol to numb the symptoms. It can also contribute to thoughts of self-harm or suicide, which is why it’s so important to catch the signs early.
Physical Changes
Physical changes can sometimes take longer to become noticeable. But, when you have a loved one who is very good at hiding their struggle, it’s the physical signs that could indicate something’s wrong.
Most physical changes occur because of neglect. When someone with addiction becomes so focused on their drug of choice, they can start to ignore their health, and even their hygiene. It’s also not uncommon for their sleeping and eating habits to change. People with substance abuse problems often stay up all night or sleep at odd hours. Others tend to sleep the day away, which can contribute to depression.
They might start to lose weight, look “unkempt,” and their skin may start to look dull. Overall, it’s likely they’ll simply look unhealthy. While ruling out any serious health conditions is important, don’t hesitate to make the connection between addiction and these physical signs. Often, the physical signs will start to become more prominent when someone has been using for a while.
What Can You Do?
The best thing you can do for your loved one is to pay attention.
Addiction doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time to start abusing a substance and eventually depending on it. When you care about someone and spend a lot of time with them, keep your eyes open for any of the warning signs listed above. Or, take note of any changes in their behavior that seem “off”.
If you know that your loved one has an addiction, don’t be afraid to talk to them. It’s not an easy conversation to have, but it’s better than letting them continue and putting their life at risk. Offer your support, and encourage them to get help. At the Recovery Collective, we specialize in helping people who are struggling with addiction. We can help your loved one identify the underlying cause(s) of their addiction, and find ways to help them work through it and take back their life. We also help family members of addicts. Whether you need more support, or you feel lost on what to do next, we are also here to support you.
If you are ready to learn more about addiction counseling, reach out to us to begin.