How To Know Your Loved One Is Hiding An Addiction
Written by Brett Brostrom, Posted on , in Section Turn For The Better
There are a surprising number of adults who struggle with substance abuse issues. As strange as it might sound, most people know someone who has struggled with substance abuse at one point or another. The question is, how do you determine if one of your loved ones might have a substance abuse problem?
1. A Change In Physical Appearance
When a person starts using drugs, you can notice a change in their physical appearance. Severe weight loss, dark eyes, and even a change in clothing styles can turn you on to the fact that your loved one might be using. It might be subtle at first, but as time goes on it’s easy to notice the difference between the person you used to know and the person who now uses drugs.
2. Mood Swings
Someone suffering from substance abuse will tend to have persistent mood swings. Substance abuse often will lead to addiction, and when that addiction isn’t fed, people can become extremely…. crabby. One minute they might be fine and the next thing you know they’re upset for reasons you can’t even fathom.
3. A Change In Sleeping Habits
This can be one of the more obvious signs of substance abuse. Abusers will stay up late into the night, drinking or smoking or doing whatever it is that they do, away from other people. Depending on the drugs they’re taking, they can even be awake for days at a time, and similarly can crash for a day or two as well, which is obviously really unhealthy. The impact that sleep has on our overall healthy is extremely important, so if you notice a change in sleeping patterns, it’s time to get help right away.
4. Apathetic Behavior
Substance abusers tend to lose interest in things they once were passionate about. Cirquelodge.com gives more insight on this characteristic: “While this is not common it is a noticeable characteristic. Someone who is normally quite active and involved in a number of things can lose interest. Hobbies, talents, and skills that the individual normally enjoys, they will no longer seem interested in. It isn’t that those things are no longer important to them. It is that their attention is turned to feeding the impulse of drug abuse and addiction. The individual will be apathetic towards things they used to feel very strongly about. This includes anything of interest, including people.”
5. Finding Paraphernalia
This is one of the most obvious signs, but finding drugs and accessories are a pretty clear sign that someone is using. Most drugs require some type of accessory to use, like a pipe, wrapping papers, or lighters. Knowing what to look for can make all the difference in helping your loved one get over their issues.
