Addiction takes its toll on everyone involved — the addict, the loved ones, and anyone else who might be touched by those involved. It’s important we set boundaries, even as we try to help the addicted person recover.
But we can’t do that if we don’t even know what to look for. Understanding the most obvious warning signs of addiction and related behaviors can help you get involved sooner, rather than waiting for “rock bottom.” Here are some of the warning signs to watch for in a suspected addict.
Sneaking
One of the earliest signs of addiction is sneaky behavior and secrecy. An addict, on some level, knows what they’re doing is wrong, so they sneak around. You’ll notice them missing when they should be present.
You also might see an increase in secrecy that wasn’t there before. They’ll hide from you where they’re going, who they were with, or what they were doing. When you ask, or try to dig deeper, they’ll get defensive and potentially go on the attack.
Lying
When that doesn’t work, the addict will start lying. Secrecy often becomes too difficult to bear for someone struggling with addiction and trying to keep it from their family, so they lie. Many times, the lies won’t even be believable.
Pay attention to discrepancies in their stories, as this can be a way to have a conversation about what’s really going on. If they continue to lie, even when confronted, you may find yourself in a fight.
Denial
The next step after sneaking and lying is outright denial. Addicts tend to convince themselves that they have it all under control. The reality is that many people who become addicted to a controlled substance or alcohol come by the addiction innocently.
Physical pain or discomfort, stress, anxiety, and depression all commonly call for drug intervention. People in a state of suffering may then turn to street drugs, alcohol, or even prescription drugs and become addicted. Then, they will defend themselves based on very real suffering, so they can continue to use, denying they have a problem.
Neglect
As addiction becomes more serious, the addict often becomes increasingly consumed with using, to the detriment of other aspects of their lives. It may begin with personal neglect; they stop showering, feeding themselves, and following a routine.
Then, the neglect can carry over into their work or school lives, so they may miss appointments and miss work. It may become so bad that they lose their job, drop out of school, and even lose their place of residence. Addiction is often a major cause of homelessness.
Erratic Behavior
Many people with substance abuse problems are able to hide their addiction well at first, but, eventually, you’ll notice differences. Typically, addicts become experts at using and hiding their use, so they think they have control over the situation.
However, when their supply runs out, and the money runs out to restock, they may begin to behave erratically. This wildly out-of-character behavior can be the result of withdrawals or just the addiction center in the brain, which leads to a total lack of control.
Financial Problems
Of course, the result of spending an increasing amount of money on drugs and potentially losing their job is that the addict will have financial problems. Addicts often hurt for money as their tolerance builds as well because they need a greater supply than before just to feel “normal.”
So, if you notice your friend or loved one seemingly running out of money or asking to borrow money, this may be a red flag. If they talk about how they can’t pay their bills or that they’re making less money at work, pay attention.
Stealing
The natural progression for many addicts from financial problems is stealing, and it’s often you, the person who loves them most, they’ll steal from. Remember, they’ve gotten good at sneaking and lying by this time, so you might not even notice a few dollars missing here and there.
The addict will justify the theft because their brain is convinced they need more chemicals. They believe you can afford it, and that they should be able to take it from you. Still, they will lie and deny if you catch them.
Isolation
All of the behaviors we see in our loved ones who become addicted often lead to feelings of being judged and criticized. Those feelings then lead to isolation. On some level, addicts do understand that their behavior is unacceptable.
As a result, they’ll start to withdraw from the people who know them best — friends and family members. Then, they may isolate themselves entirely, spending time only with those with whom they can use or from whom they can buy more drugs. If you’re having trouble getting in touch with your loved one, it may be a red flag.
Loss of Interest in Hobbies
Addicts frequently become consumed with using to the exclusion of all else. Your friend or family member who once loved hiking or participating in a book club is now becoming reclusive. If you notice a lackluster attitude from your friend or family member about something they once loved, take it as a potential warning sign.
It’s important to remember that these addictive behaviors are not coming from our loved ones. Rather, they’re coming from the addiction, the pleasure center in the brain that overpowers everything they once loved and cared about. They will increasingly become consumed by the need for more drugs or alcohol.
The best thing we can do to support our loved ones as they struggle with addiction is to recognize the warning signs and take action. Set boundaries, get help, and get clear. Addiction is a disease that requires open eyes and open hearts to defeat.
