When someone close to you is experiencing addiction warning signs, you might notice that something about them seems “off.” Still, you might not know exactly what you’re seeing, or how to put all the evidence together in your head. Plus, since you probably care deeply about this person, you might not want to see the painful truth.
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of substance abuse, however, is one of the kindest and most loving things you can do for another person. If you’re able to suss it out and gently guide them toward the right resources, you could make a real difference in their life.
In this article, we’ll go over the basics of recognizing drug abuse and alcohol addiction. These will help you spot it in others, or maybe even in yourself. We’ll also help you decide what to do next, and where to go when it’s time to reach out for help.
Behavioral Changes
One of the earliest signs that someone is experiencing a substance abuse problem is that they stop treating you as well as they used to. They might experience sudden mood swings that leave you confused and reeling, or behave secretively, like they’re always hiding something from you.
You might notice that they spend less time with you or other close loved ones, and start hanging around a lot of new friends. Maybe you’ve met these friends and they seem a little shady or untrustworthy, or you can’t really see what your loved one sees in them.
Along with these new social circles, you might notice changes in your loved ones' usual activities. Maybe they’re spending less time in class or on hobbies, and more at bars or clubs or some unspecified place. Maybe they say “I’m going out” with little or no further explanation.
After a while, you might spot bigger changes, like in the way they dress, how much they sleep, or in their stories about their day. They might share suspicious accounts of being hurt or victimized by others, or ask for a lot of help with their finances.
Physical Symptoms and Appearance
As your loved one’s substance abuse issue progresses, you might start to notice physical symptoms, or major changes in their appearance. Whether or not their behavior has changed in obvious ways, the way they look can be a tell-tale sign.
You might notice that they’ve lost a lot of weight in a relatively short time due to their drug use and loss of appetite or funds. Or, especially if they have an alcohol addiction, they might gain a lot of weight or develop a rounder belly from all of the drinking.
They might have yellow teeth, bloodshot eyes, or unwashed or unbrushed hair. They might forget to wash or change their clothes, or replace items that are ratty and full of holes. They might just look generally unkempt from not showering, shaving, or keeping up with personal care.
In some people, the changes might be more dramatic, while in others, they can be a lot more subtle. If your friend who always gets her hair and nails done suddenly starts looking even a little low maintenance, that could be an indication of substance abuse.
Neglecting Responsibilities and Relationships
Along with a general disregard for self-care, your loved one might start neglecting other things, like children, their career, or other responsibilities. They might struggle to make rent, or pay bills, or may land themselves in debt due to spending too much on substances.
If the person is struggling with performance at work, gets fired, or can’t find or hold down a job, that might be a sign. If their kids start to exhibit hygiene or behavioral problems, or you find yourself babysitting them more often, unwillingly, that’s also a likely indicator.
For married or partnered folks, the signs of addiction might start to show up in their romantic relationships. There might be a lot more fighting, or their spouse or partner might seem especially frustrated, exhausted, or emotional.
The person might also display more reckless behavior, bringing home a lot of dates or suddenly engaging in frequent unsafe or casual sex. In this case, change is your biggest clue — look for anything very different from their usual behavior. If they don’t normally have a lot of casual sex, that could be a sign of a problem.
Tolerance and Withdrawal Symptoms
One of the biggest signs to look for is just that the person is drinking or using drugs a lot more than usual. It may seem kind of obvious, but needing to drink or use a lot more to feel a buzz is a major sign of potential addiction.
Think of it this way: a person without a drinking problem might feel buzzed after a glass or two of wine. However, someone with alcoholism might need to get most of the way through the bottle before they even feel anything.
If your friend that usually just has a glass of Pinot Grigio is suddenly begging you to split two bottles at dinner, they might have an issue. If whole six packs are disappearing from your fridge and your husband claims to have “just had a couple” that could mean something too.
The other sign to look for is withdrawal, which can be more obvious in drug use, but less so in alcohol abuse. Look for signs of agitation, big or small, when your loved one can’t get what they want. If they’re really jonesing for that first cocktail at dinner, that might be enough to indicate an addiction.
What to Do
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of substance abuse is only the first step. Once you’ve noticed, it’s important to understand your options and help your loved one get the support they need. If you’re not sure who to turn to, Pathways can help. Call 801-895-3006 to speak to a caring advisor or contact us here to learn about treatment options.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
