Drug or alcohol addiction are serious problems that must be appropriately addressed. A person suffering from addiction can affect not only their well-being, but it can also have a negative impact on their friends and family members.
If you’re a family member who’s concerned about your loved one, you can learn about the not-so-obvious signs of drug or alcohol addiction. This article will address these signs. Once you believe that your loved one needs help, you can bring them to a professional institution like Pacific Ridge: Inpatient Alcohol Treatment & Drug Rehab Center.
Below are signs of drug and alcohol addiction you may not be aware of:
Possible Signs of Alcohol Addiction
- Their hangovers disrupt their usual routine.
A hangover can be painful, but most people usually get around it. Once drinking and hangovers interrupt the usual routine of your loved one, it could be a tell-tale sign. If it messes with their responsibilities, such as going to school or work, it might be an indication of addiction.
- They drink for stress relief.
Drinking is typically done for fun or social purposes. It shouldn’t be what you turn to after having a hard day. If someone uses alcohol in place of healthy stress relievers (e.g., exercise and hanging out with friends) to soothe themselves, then it’s a hint to keep an eye on them.
- Their mind is preoccupied with alcohol all the time.
People might want a drink or two to have fun. If you’re loved one’s life seems to revolve around alcohol with plans involving it all the time, then be mindful. Rationalizing having a drink and feeling guilty afterward are signs as well.
- They experience withdrawal.
Hangovers and withdrawals aren’t the same things. A hangover happens when you’ve had a lot to drink. On the other hand, withdrawals occur when there’s not enough alcohol within your system.
Once your friend or a family member becomes depressed, tired, irritable, anxious, or nauseous when they haven’t had any alcohol, then they’re possibly undergoing withdrawal. Other signs include loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, trembling, and shakiness.
- They regularly need to perform damage control.
We all get into trouble sometimes. Apologizing for messaging drunk texts and being a little bit rowdy “occasionally” is fine. However, once you find someone who “constantly” needs to do damage control due to drinking, it might be time to seek help.
Possible Signs Of Drug Addiction
- They’re flaky.
Do you notice your friend or family member constantly canceling on plans? Or are they giving excuses all the time? Check to see if they’re going to parties they usually don’t go to. People addicted to drugs typically isolate themselves from their family members or regular friend group to cover the problem.
- Their appetite has changed.
It can be one of two ways: either their appetite has increased or decreased. However, if someone’s eating habits have drastically changed, it can be due to their reliance on drugs or other substances.
- They’re secretive and nervous.
Long-term drug abuse can lead to paranoia. Thus, those who have problems with substance abuse can appear restless, shaky, and nervous. They might also exhibit secretive behavior since they are trying to mask the issue. If someone appears to be such, it might be a sign of addiction.
- They have irregular sleeping habits.
People who abuse substances sleep more, and they usually sleep during times when you have to be ordinarily awake. Substance use gives you excessive energy, keeping you awake for a lengthy period of time. This is followed by an energy “crash,” which leads to sleeping for prolonged periods as well.
- They’re irritable.
A subtle sign might include changes in behavior and personality. These can include mood swings, irritability, patterns of isolation, and angry outbursts. This might be caused by the effects of the substance wearing off.
- They have problems with money.
Drug addiction is very costly. Thus, people with substance abuse problems might find themselves looking for new ways to get cash. This could be exhibited by regularly borrowing money from family and friends, obtaining loans, working on extra shifts, and tapping into other sources of cash.
- They try to hide their physical appearance.
Substance abuse can lead to changes in one’s appearance. People who abuse drugs might experience weight loss, poor hygiene, and bloodshot eyes. They usually put up a façade to cover their appearance. For instance, they might use makeup to cover dark circles under the eyes, or they may use eyedrops to remove their eyes’ redness.
In Conclusion
Those mentioned above are various signs you can check to see if a person suffers from alcohol or drug addiction. These signs might help you pinpoint whether your loved one has a problem or not. If you’re concerned about your friend or family member who might be suffering from addiction, it is best to get the help of a professional.
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