4 Signs Your Loved One is an Addict
Addiction is a serious problem that plagues millions of people every year. Whether it’s drugs or alcohol, addiction must be taken seriously. It’s not easy to overcome, and it’s not easy to love someone who suffers from this disease. Those who are addicted will find a way to hide their problem. They will go to extremes to find a way to hide their addiction from their loved ones, but there are almost always signs. Your loved one will change, their habits will change, and you will begin to notice something seems off. It might start as a small, nagging feeling, but it will be there. If you have that feeling, you might want to know a few of the signs to look for if you feel someone you love is suffering from addiction.
Sudden Secrecy
Unfortunately, secrecy can be a sign of many things, and it’s not uncommon for people to feel that they are being deceived. If you think that your loved one is suddenly secretive or evasive, it’s probably because they are hiding something from you. You might worry your spouse is cheating, but you’ll certainly wonder if your kids are into something they should not be into. Whatever you feel about someone becoming secretive or lying, it might not be your imagination. Talk to them to find out what is going on, and pay attention to the other signs to see if they fit the pattern of an addict.
Mood Swings
If your loved one is going through serious mood swings, it could indicate there is a problem. Someone might be stressed at work, overwhelmed at home with a new baby or a new marriage, or they could be facing other problems. However, sudden and explosive mood swings are indicative of a drug or alcohol problem. It’s worth taking note of how often these mood swings occur and what seems to set people off if you think you notice a problem.
Changes in Appearance
Sudden changes in appearance might indicate there is a problem with someone you love, but it’s hard to tell what the problem might be. Alcohol abuse can cause a person’s body and skin to change. Their skin becomes puffy, their eyes become red, their appearance is no longer as attractive as it was before, and they tend to gain a lot of weight. Additionally, drug addicts tend to lose weight quickly, but their skin changes as well. Depending on the substance, their skin could break out, they could develop lesions, or they could even start to age quickly.
Loss of Interest in Life
Someone who was once very vibrant and enjoyed life might not feel that way anymore. It’s easy to assume that people are not happy anymore, but it can be more than that. People who become addicted only want to go places and do things that involve their substance of choice. A person who once loved sports might stop watching. Someone who loved to read or volunteer might stop what they loved doing. Someone who is facing addiction falls out of love with life, and they tend to withdraw.
It’s not just from the things they enjoy doing, either. People with addiction problems tend to withdraw from life as well. They tend to fall into habits of being alone, not spending time with people they love, and they tend to stop going to events and having fun. It’s one of the most obvious signs of addiction.
If you suspect someone you love is dealing with addiction, don’t make accusations while you speak to them. Notice what’s changed, and then ask them about it. Ask if they could use your help, and then offer your help to them. You can change their lives simply by being there, listening, and not forcing them to do something they’re not ready to do. Most addicts need to be in a very specific place in their life to accept help, and many will not accept it no matter how much love comes with it if they simply aren’t ready for it. Addiction is ugly, and these signs might make it obvious to you someone you love is suffering.
